Memorializing the 45th Anniversary of the Crash of PSA Flight 182 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum

Monday September 25, 2023 is the 45th Anniversary of the crash of PSA Flight 182 in 1978. The San Diego Air & Space Museum remembers the victims of the crash every day through its special PSA memorial in Balboa Park.

The Museum remembers the victims of the crash every day through its special PSA memorial in the Golden Age of Flight Gallery.

San Diego, CA – Monday September 25, 2023 is the 45th Anniversary of the crash of PSA Flight 182 in 1978. The San Diego Air & Space Museum remembers the victims of the crash every day through its special PSA memorial in the Museum’s Golden Age of Flight Gallery in Balboa Park.

“Remembering the men and women who tragically lost their lives in 1978 in San Diego during the deadliest air crash in California’s history is critical every day of the year, and especially on September 25,” said Jim Kidrick, President & CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.  “We honor all of them forever through our special PSA Memorial at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. It is important to never forget the men and women who lost their lives that day.”

While on approach to Lindbergh Field (now San Diego International Airport) on September 25, 1978, PSA Flight 182, a Boeing 727, collided with a private Cessna 172 light aircraft. Both aircraft crashed into North Park in San Diego.

PSA 182 struck just north of the intersection of Dwight and Nile streets, killing all 135 people aboard the aircraft and seven people on the ground in houses, including two children. PSA 182 had a crew of seven, and there were 29 PSA employees on board.

The Cessna struck Polk Avenue between 32nd and Iowa streets, killing the two on board. Nine others on the ground were injured and twenty-two residences were destroyed or damaged by the impact and debris.

It was Pacific Southwest Airlines’ first fatal accident, and it remains the deadliest air disaster in California history. At the time, it was the deadliest air crash to occur in the United States, and remained so until American Airlines Flight 191 in May 1979.

The San Diego Air & Space Museum is California’s official air and space museum and education center. The Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and was the first aero-themed Museum to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Museum also is home to the prestigious International Air & Space Hall of Fame. The Museum is located at 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. The Museum and gift store are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with admissions until 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.