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Vesna Vulović

Vesna Vulović was a Serbian and Yugoslav flight attendant who became known for surviving the highest fall without a parachute, after the 1972 crash of JAT Flight 367.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Vesna Vulović was a Serbian and Yugoslav flight attendant who survived the highest fall without a parachute after the 1972 crash of JAT Flight 367. Guinness World Records recognized her for the feat in 1985. She died in Belgrade in 2016 at age 66.

Early life

Vesna Vulović was born in Belgrade on 3 January 1950. Available sources identify her as Yugoslav and later Serbian.

JAT Flight 367 crash

On 26 January 1972, Vulović was aboard JAT Flight 367 when a bomb exploded and the plane broke apart over Czechoslovakia. She was the only survivor among the passengers and crew.

Record and public recognition

Guinness World Records recognized Vulović in 1985 for surviving the highest fall without a parachute, measured at 10,160 metres. The case made her internationally known.

Later life and death

Vulović lived in Serbia after the crash and died in Belgrade on 23 December 2016, aged 66.

Key facts

  • She was the sole survivor of the 1972 JAT Flight 367 disaster.
  • The aircraft exploded over then-Czechoslovakia on 26 January 1972.
  • Guinness World Records listed her as surviving a fall of 10,160 metres.
  • Her survival became one of the best-known aviation survival stories.
  • She died in Belgrade in December 2016.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Vesna Vulović?
She was a Serbian and Yugoslav flight attendant best known for surviving the 1972 JAT Flight 367 crash and a record-setting fall without a parachute.
What happened to Vesna Vulović on JAT Flight 367?
A bomb exploded aboard the aircraft in 1972, causing it to break apart over Czechoslovakia. Vulović survived as the sole survivor.
What record is Vesna Vulović known for?
Guinness World Records recognized her for surviving the highest fall without a parachute, listed as 10,160 metres.
When did Vesna Vulović die?
She died in Belgrade on 23 December 2016 at the age of 66.
Was Vesna Vulović the only survivor?
Yes. Sources identify her as the only survivor of the JAT Flight 367 disaster.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesna_Vulovi%C4%87
    Supports: Birth, death, occupation, survival details, and Guinness recognition
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38427411
    Supports: Death notice and high-fall survival context
  3. Wikipedia (German) — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesna_Vulovi%C4%87
    Supports: Sole survivor details, fall height, and accident overview
  4. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesna_Vulovi%C4%87
    Supports: Unique survivor of JAT Flight 367 and Guinness record