(Gander, NEWFOUNDLAND) - Arrow Air 1285, a military chartered McDonnell Douglas DC-8, caught fire and exploded one minute after take-off from Gander, Newfoundland, killing a reported 256 Americans on December 12, 1985. December 12 1985 — Arrow Air Flight 1285 Arrow Air Flight 1285 was a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 jetliner that operated as an international charter flight carrying U.S. troops from Cairo, Egypt, to their home base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, via Cologne, West Germany and Gander, Canada. 26 years ago this morning Arrow Airlines flight 1285 took off from Gander Newfoundland in Canada with 8 crew members and 248 soldiers, non-commissioned officers, and officers from units across this division the majority being from 3rd Battalion of the 502nd Infantry Regiment. Arrow air flight 1285 Victims of the plane crash in Gander, newfoundland, December 12, 1985 (under construction) Victims of the plane crash in Gander, newfoundland, December 12, 1985 (under construction) Cemetery Visibility: Public Private A Gander plane crash known as the deadliest aviation disaster in Canadian history has sparked its share of debate over the years — especially among those who question the true cause. The plane was bound for Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Thirty years ago this month, Arrow Air Flight 1285 crashed just minutes after stopping to refuel in Gander.