270 Killed In 747 Downing Over Lockerbie

It's been nearly 20 years... and still today the word "Lockerbie" brings painful memories for many people throughout the world. On December 21, 1988, all 259 people travelling on Pan Am Flight 103 were killed when the aircraft bound for New York exploded above the small Scottish town. There were a further 11 deaths on the ground. This devastating plane crash shattered a village and captured the attention of the world.

Within a month of the chilling explosion, investigators discovered a piece of circuit board the size of a fingertip originating from a bomb. It was found to have come from a suitcase in the plane's luggage compartment. But who was responsible for this devastating terrorist act?

An upcoming Air Crash Investigation special on the National Geographic Channel looks into the resulting investigation, tracking down the bomber and his subsequent conviction of the murder of 270 people. Two years later, the Libyan government accepted responsibility and paid a $2.7 billion settlement.

The special features interviews with UK AAIB investigators and FBI bomb analysts and is based on official reports and eyewitness accounts.

National Geographic Channel has also created a special website featuring the incident, including the results of the investigation, facts and background details on piecing together this type of enquiry.

FMI: www.nationalgeographic.com/channel