Air Florida Flight 90 Crash Survivor Recounts Harrowing Tale

Kelly Duncan, a 22-year-old flight attendant, shares her firsthand account of the tragic 1982 incident.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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On January 13, 1982, Air Florida flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge in Washington, D.C. shortly after takeoff, killing 74 passengers and crew. Kelly Duncan, a young flight attendant on the doomed flight, recounts the terrifying moments after the plane failed to gain altitude, crashing into the icy Potomac River. Despite being thrown from the aircraft, Duncan managed to swim to the wreckage and cling to the tail section, fighting hypothermia until she was rescued 28 minutes later.

Why it matters

The Air Florida flight 90 crash was a pivotal moment in aviation history, leading to significant changes in aircraft de-icing procedures and crew training. Duncan's firsthand account sheds light on the heroic actions of the cabin crew and the harrowing experience of the passengers during this tragic event.

The details

As the plane struggled to gain altitude, Duncan was seated in the rear jump seat when she saw a passenger in the last row looking worried. Moments later, the aircraft crashed into the 14th Street Bridge, throwing Duncan and four other passengers into the freezing Potomac River. Duncan fought to swim to the wreckage and clung to the tail section, helping other survivors until they were rescued by helicopter. Despite suffering serious injuries, Duncan returned to her flight attendant duties five months later, later marrying and becoming a preschool teacher.

  • Air Florida flight 90 was set to depart from Washington's National Airport on January 13, 1982.
  • The flight had been delayed by one hour and 45 minutes due to snow, which had temporarily closed the airport.
  • The aircraft had been de-iced 45 minutes before take-off.
  • The take-off roll was long, and the aircraft shuddered violently.
  • The crash occurred 30 seconds after take-off.

The players

Kelly Duncan

A 22-year-old flight attendant on Air Florida flight 90 who survived the crash into the Potomac River.

Donna Adams

The senior flight attendant on Air Florida flight 90, who tragically died in the crash.

Marilyn Nichols

A 25-year-old flight attendant on Air Florida flight 90 who also died in the crash.

Larry Wheaton

The captain of Air Florida flight 90, who failed to engage the anti-ice system and abort the take-off despite knowing there was ice on the wings.

Roget Pettit

The first officer of Air Florida flight 90.

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What they’re saying

“I felt like I was just so confused, like what in the world just happened? And as the time went on, I started to think, 'I'm going to die.' That's when I started to go, 'I think this is the day I'm going to die.'”

— Kelly Duncan, Flight Attendant (justhelicopters.com)

“My next feeling was that I was just floating through white and I felt like I was dying and I just thought I'm not really ready to die.”

— Kelly Duncan, Flight Attendant (justhelicopters.com)

“I remember hearing about him and the helicopter pilots told me they saw him with a rope and kind of (handing) it off to other people. ... I never saw him, but I am obviously very thankful for him ...”

— Kelly Duncan, Flight Attendant (justhelicopters.com)

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the crash of Air Florida flight 90 led to significant changes in aircraft de-icing procedures and crew training to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

Kelly Duncan's harrowing firsthand account of the Air Florida flight 90 crash serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the heroic actions of cabin crew in the face of tragedy. Her story highlights the lasting impact of this pivotal moment in aviation history.