Memorial held for 144 victims killed in North Park plane crash

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A memorial service was held Thursday in North Park to honor the 144 victims of the deadliest aviation crash in California history, which occurred 47 years ago.

On Sept. 25, 1978, Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 collided midair with a Cessna, resulting in a catastrophic crash in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. This tragic event claimed the lives of all aboard the PSA flight and several on the ground.

During the memorial service, the names of the 144 victims were read aloud, and a flower was placed for each victim in a large silver vase. This annual event serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the impact of the tragedy on the community.

A plaque cemented on the sidewalk at the corner of Dwight and Nile bears the names of all who perished in the crash, ensuring that their memory is preserved for future generations.

As family and friends gather each year, the legacy of the victims continues to be honored and their stories kept alive.

The PSA Flight 182 crash not only impacted the San Diego community, it also had far-reaching effects on aviation safety standards worldwide.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KSWB. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KSWB staff before being published.