Eastern Air Lines Flight 512 was a scheduled passenger flight operating between New Orleans, Louisiana, and New York City's Idlewild Airport. On approach to the airport on that fateful day, the Lockheed L-188 Electra aircraft, carrying a total of 51 individuals including crew members, encountered adverse weather conditions. The flight faced a storm characterized by heavy rain, strong turbulence, and reduced visibility, which made the landing extremely difficult for the pilots.

As the aircraft made its final descent, the pilots struggled to maintain control. The challenging weather conditions contributed to the aircraft's inability to land safely. The plane ultimately crashed onto a narrow stretch of land, resulting in a significant number of casualties. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but 25 people did not survive the accident, raising concerns regarding the adequacy of crew training and flight safety measures in challenging weather.

The incident prompted an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which found that pilot error, compounded by the inclement weather and inadequate decision-making, significantly contributed to the disaster. This crash became a pivotal moment in aviation history, leading to discussions about weather-related flight operations and the need for improved safety regulations.