The Unknown Inflight Disintegration That Downed Braniff Flight 542

On September 29th, 1959, a Braniff AirwaysLockheed Electra, Model L-188A, crashed about 3.19 miles east-southeast of Buffalo, Texas, killing all 34 people onboard. The aircraft involved in the tragedy was brand new, leaving investigators with many questions about the probable cause. It disintegrated mid-flight and was further destroyed by ground impact and the post-crash fire. Let us take a look at the events that transpired on the day.