American Airlines Flight 587, an Airbus A300, took off from John F. Kennedy International Airport on its way to the Dominican Republic. Just minutes after departure, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and crashed into the Belle Harbor area of Queens, New York City. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of all 260 individuals aboard, which included both passengers and crew members. Additionally, five people on the ground were killed due to the crash, leading to one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history.

Investigators later determined that the crash was primarily caused by a combination of pilot error and wake turbulence. The aircraft had just taken off behind a larger Airbus A380, and the ensuing turbulence impacted the ability of the flight crew to maintain control of their aircraft. The captain, as well as the first officer, were put in an extremely difficult position in the wake of the turbulence, ultimately leading to a loss of control. NTSB investigations emphasized the importance of understanding wake turbulence and its potential impacts on smaller aircraft.

The crash of Flight 587 highlighted vulnerabilities in air safety regulations and protocols concerning wake turbulence, especially in busy airports like JFK. This incident prompted a review of flight safety and operational procedures, revealing gaps in pilot training and operational guidelines. Furthermore, it renewed discussions around the necessity for more stringent regulatory oversight of airline operations, particularly regarding takeoff procedures and separation requirements between flights.