Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Dec. 12, 2024.

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On Dec. 12, 1985, 248 American soldiers and eight crew members were killed when an Arrow Air charter crashed after takeoff from Gander, Newfoundland.

Is there more to the story of Flight 1285?

Per historical accounts, the soldiers were returning from a peacekeeping deployment in Sinai, Egypt. After their plane refueled in Gander, Newfoundland, it crashed on takeoff, killing all aboard. Eight crew members brought the death total to 256.

The majority of the soldiers were from 3rd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (air assault), known as the “Screaming Eagles.”

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