Avianca Flight 052, operated by Avianca Airlines, departed from Bogotá, Colombia, on the evening of January 25, 1990, en route to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 707, was carrying 158 people and encountered difficulties during its approach, largely due to severe weather and miscommunication with air traffic control. As the flight approached New York, it encountered heavy snow, which restricted visibility and added complications to its landing. Despite declaring an emergency and attempting multiple approaches, the aircraft ran low on fuel, leading the pilots to make the fateful decision to land at JFK, which was also dealing with challenging weather conditions.

As the plane neared the airport, a series of miscalculations regarding fuel levels contributed to its eventual crash in Cove Neck, near the North Shore of Long Island. The aircraft lost power and crashed into a residential area, impacting nearby homes. The collision resulted in the tragic loss of 73 lives, while 85 passengers and crew members survived, many with significant injuries. The incident raised serious concerns over airline safety regulations, pilot training, and communications between flight crews and air traffic control, spurring changes aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.