August 1979

Friday 17:

Two Soviet Aeroflot jetliners collide in mid-air over Ukraine, killing 156

Thursday 23:

Soviet dancer Alexander Godunov defects to the United States.

Friday 24:

In Central Park, New York a concert is given by cars.

Monday 27:

An IRA bomb kills Lord Mountbatten and 3 others on holiday in Sligo, Republic of Ireland. Another near Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland kills 18 British soldiers.

Tuesday 28:

An IRA bomb explodes on the Great Market in Brussels.