The May 3, 1968, crash of Braniff Flight 352 south of Fort Worth was the deadliest airline disaster in Texas history at the time, killing all 85 on board. But the tragedy has largely been forgotten.

The May 3, 1968, crash of Braniff Flight 352 south of Fort Worth was the deadliest airline disaster in Texas history at the time, killing all 85 on board. But the tragedy has largely been forgotten.

Exclusive: This cockpit recording of Braniff Flight 352, which crashed on approach to Dallas, hasn’t been heard by the public in more than 50 years.

In 1927, Braniff and a group of investors bought a used airplane and began the Oklahoma Aero Club, beginning a flight school, air taxi service, and selling aircraft parts.

The May 3, 1968, crash of Braniff Flight 352 south of Fort Worth was the deadliest airline disaster in Texas history at the time, killing all 85 on board. But the tragedy has largely been forgotten.

It started with an insurance salesman and one small airplane. From there, it became an aviation empire and one of the most noted names in Texas aviation. From Braniff Airline’s humble beginnings ...