OTD E0098 — 06 Feb 1958: Munich — The Busby Babes, Flight 609, and Football’s Darkest Day

06 Feb 1958: Manchester United return from Belgrade after eliminating Red Star in the European Cup. Their chartered BEA flight stops to refuel at Munich-Riem. Two takeoff attempts are aborted; the third fails in snowy, slushy conditions and the aircraft crashes, taking 23 lives — including eight United players, club staff, journalists, and others. Survivors include Matt Busby, Bobby Charlton, and hero-goalkeeper Harry Gregg. United play on under Jimmy Murphy — and a decade later complete the Munich-to-1968 European Cup redemption arc.Ideas: [email protected]