A United Airlines passenger flight crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, resulting in the death of 112 of its 296 passengers.

A dam collapsed in Val di Stava, Italy, resulting in the death of 268 people.

Turkish Prime Minister, Nihat Erim, was shot to death by two members of the leftist militant group Dev Sol.

The Sandinista insurgents overthrew the government of the Somoza family in Nicaragua.

A Piedmont Airlines passenger jet collided with a Cessna plane in mid-flight over North Carolina, USA. 82 died as a result of the crash.

American actor, Anthony Edwards, was born in Santa Barbara, California. He is most known for his parts in the Top Gun film, as well as the highly successful television series, ER and Northern Exposure.

The Intelligence Corps of the British Army was formed. It is better known as the Military Intelligence unit.

American doctor, Charles Horace Mayo, was born in Rochester, Minnesota. He was the founder of the Mayo Clinic, one of the most renowned hospitals in the world.

French artist, Edgar Degas, was born in Paris. He was one of the most prominent French artists of the 19th century, famous for his work in painting, sculpture, and drawing. He is also considered as one of the founders of the Impressionism movement.

Five women were hanged after having been found guilty of practicing witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Overall 20 people were executed as a result of the Salem Witch trials and more than 150 imprisoned.