Pilot's final words to his mother before crash killed 144

Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 struck and collided mid-air with a Cessna Skyhawk (registration N7711G) before plunging into San Diego on September 25, 1978, killing everyone aboard. At the time, it was the deadliest aviation accident in U.S. history. A cockpit voice recording described the crew realizing the Cessna was directly below them, despite earlier discussions about clearance. First Officer Robert Fox asked if they were clear; flight engineer Martin Wahne replied “Supposed to be.” Seconds later, McFeron told the tower, “We’re going down,” and instructed passengers to “Brace yourself.” In total, 144 people died, including seven crew, 30 employees, two Cessna occupants and seven locals.