CommutAir Flight 4821 was a scheduled passenger flight operated by CommutAir using a Bombardier Dash 8. It was on a routine flight route from Westchester County Airport, New York, to Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, New York. On January 3, the aircraft encountered severe weather conditions, including low visibility due to dense fog and snow. At around 4:15 PM local time, the flight attempted to land but lost control in the challenging weather. The aircraft crashed within a mile of the airport, leading to a significant emergency response by local and state agencies.

Upon impact, two of the passengers lost their lives, while other occupants managed to escape or were rescued with varying degrees of injury. The North Country region faced a communication challenge during the rescue efforts due to the remote location of the crash site and inclement weather. Subsequent investigations revealed that the crew was well-trained and experienced but faced unexpected difficulties due to the sudden changes in weather conditions.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would later investigate the crash, which highlighted key safety issues concerning small aircraft operations in adverse weather. This event raised awareness regarding regulations and procedures for commercial flights in regions prone to sudden weather changes, emphasizing the importance of safety protocols in aviation operations.