Plane Crash Kills Entire US Figure Skating Team
Sabena Flight 548 crashed during its approach to Brussels Airport on February 15, 1961, killing all 72 people aboard and one person on the ground. Among the dead were the entire 18-member US figure skating team, traveling to the World Championships in Prague. The team included national champions, pairs skaters, and ice dancers who represented the best of American figure skating talent. The crash forced the cancellation of the 1961 World Championships and left the US skating program devastated. Rebuilding took nearly a decade, but the tragedy prompted the US Figure Skating Association to invest in a broader grassroots development pipeline rather than relying on a small elite. The Memorial Fund established after the crash has since provided over million in financial support to developing skaters. Peggy Fleming, who won gold at the 1968 Olympics, was among the first products of the rebuilt program.
February 15, 1961
65 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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