March 1975 - March 16, 1975 (Sunday)

March 16, 1975 (Sunday)

• The Mariner 10 satellite made the closest approach by an Earth launched vehicle, to that time, to the planet Mercury, orbiting at a distance of 203 miles (307 km) and returning clear photographs of the first planet's surface.
• As it was approaching San Carlos de Bariloche on a flight from El Palomar, an Argentine Air Force airplane crashed into the side of a mountain in the Andes, killing all 47 passengers and five crew.
• Died: Perle Mesta, 83, American hostess and former ambassador to Luxembourg, as well as the inspiration for the Broadway musical Call Me Madam; and Vincent Sheean, 75, American journalist