January 31, 2000, was a black day in history for the aviation sector when Alaska Airlines Flight 261, a normal international scheduled passenger flight, encountered a deadly meet that would be remembered forever in memory. Departing from Lic. Gustavo DÃaz Ordaz International Airport, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and flying towards Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Seattle, USA, with a stopover in between at San Francisco, the flight would encounter a turn of fate. When the McDonnell Douglas MD-83 plane traveled to its destination, a horrific disaster occurred under the cover of night in the Pacific sky 2.7 miles north of Anacapa Island, California. It was a breakdown of control over pitch—a fundamental aspect of controlling stability in an aircraft—that pushed Flight 261 into hysterical crisis. All 88 people on board the plane—two pilots, three cabin crew, and 83 passengers—perished in the ensuing crash. The heroic deeds of the pilots in the midst of times of historic crisis were an exhibition of heroism in the wake of tragedy. In a bid to take control, the pilots carried out a heroic exhibition of courage by introducing the plane into violent spin, an action that restored a temporary sense of stability to the crisis. Their natural reaction, although ultimately unsuccessful in preventing catastrophe, was typical of their professionalism and dedication, and for which they were rewarded and praised after their deaths. The acts of heroism by Flight 261 pilots did not end with the tragedy. Their story went documentary levels, the mainstream media, and even a Hollywood dramatization movie. Their gory experience was turned into the 2012 "Flight" movie, touched people's lives, and brought into the limelight the humane side of the humongous challenges faced by airline personnel. The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that a grim reality: improper maintenance procedures were the culprit behind the accident. One of the primary flight control systems suffered from a catastrophic failure, brought on by an overexcess of wear due to a degradation of lubrication of the jackscrew assembly, part of the aircraft's system of pitch control. The NTSB document brought to the forefront of the public's mind the ever-essential role of diligent attention in maintenance in the aviation transportation industry. Crash of Flight 261 was a call to vigilance, rigorous application of procedures, and an unwavering commitment to safety. As we remember those lost on the crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 261, we remember such pilots as well who showed that they were worthy and unshakeable in time of need. Their sacrifice makes us remember the unconquerable spirit of the people of the air and the uncompromising pursuit of a better sky for everybody. The accident reminds us of the uncompromising pursuit of trying to do things better, learning from experience, and everybody's desire to prevent such accidents in the years to come.