Harald Snæhólm, a pilot who survived the catastrophic 1978 plane crash in Sri Lanka, recounted the events surrounding the incident during a recent interview reflecting on its significance in Icelandic aviation history. During its approach to Colombo airport, the Douglas DC-8 operated by Flugleiðir crashed about two kilometers away from the runway, resulting in the deaths of 183 passengers while 79 survived, marking this event as the deadliest aviation disaster in Iceland's history. This tragedy continues to cast a shadow over Iceland's aviation legacy, reminding many of the dangers and profound impacts of airline operations.

The inefficacy of the approach beam was identified as the primary cause of the crash, as suggested by the testimonies of surviving officials from Flugleiðir. The disaster is revisited in a new series focusing on Iceland’s airline history titled "Flugþjóðin," where this somber chapter in aviation is explored in detail. The program sheds light on the complexities surrounding the crash and aims to educate viewers about the essential improvements in safety measures that have since been implemented in the aviation industry.

The memory of the disaster serves not only as a pivotal moment in Icelandic aviation but also reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the industry in ensuring passenger safety. The discussions around the crash highlight the significant advancements in technology and regulatory oversight that have bettered air travel, while also paying homage to the lives lost and the families affected by one of the darkest events in aviation history in Iceland.