Washington, D.C. – Many people who have traveled from Arlington to D.C. via the 14th Street Bridge have likely crossed the span that honors Arland D. Williams, Jr., a man who made the ultimate sacrifice to save others during a tragic 1982 plane crash into the frozen Potomac River. Although not known by many as the Williams Bridge, the official name is a tribute to the heroic act of Williams, whose story still captivates people to this day.
Air Florida Flight 90 took off from Washington National Airport amid snowy conditions and subsequently crashed into the Potomac River, with National Park Service employees and other bystanders coming to the rescue, including Williams. Despite initially surviving the crash, Williams tragically sacrificed himself to help save others, an act of heroism that is still remembered 42 years later.
The tragic flight was a result of a series of errors, including snowy weather, a delayed takeoff, and a pilot who had never flown in snow before. The plane’s difficulty in climbing after rotation eventually led to a stall, and Wheaton’s co-pilot even expressed concerns about the flight before takeoff. As a result, the flight ended in disaster, with the plane hitting the 14th Street Bridge, killing several people, and crashing into the Potomac.
The survivors in the icy river were faced with desperate conditions, but they were met with daring rescues. National Park Service helicopter, Eagle 1, and bystander Lenny Skutnik stepped in to save several passengers from the frigid water. Notably, Williams repeatedly assisted in rescuing others before he eventually succumbed to the cold water, making the ultimate sacrifice.
In recognition of his selfless act, the 14th Street Bridge was renamed in honor of Williams after being repaired. His heroism was also acknowledged by then-President Ronald Reagan, who posthumously awarded Williams a Coast Guard’s Gold Lifesaving Medal during a ceremony in the Oval Office. Williams’ heroism and sacrifice are a testament to the enduring impact of his actions, as the bridge that bears his name serves as a lasting tribute to his bravery and selflessness.