Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 Wind Shear Crash
June 24th, 1975
June 24th, 1975

How Long Ago?
49 years, 8 months, 19 days ago
Location
Queens, New York, USA
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
Tags
Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 Wind Shear Crash
Eastern Air Lines Flight 66, a scheduled flight from New Orleans to New York City, encountered severe wind shear from a microburst during its final approach to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The aircraft crashed approximately a mile from the runway, leading to the deaths of 113 of the 124 people on board. The crash is notable for being the deadliest airplane accident in the United States at that time, prompting an urgent reevaluation of flight safety protocols regarding weather phenomena.
Flight originated from New Orleans, Louisiana.
Crash site was near JFK Airport in Queens.
First significant awareness of wind shear in aviation.
Served as a base for future aviation safety improvements.
What Happened?
Eastern Air Lines Flight 66, operating a Boeing 727, was in the process of landing at John F. Kennedy International Airport after a flight originating in New Orleans. As the aircraft approached the airport, it faced severe wind shear caused by a microburst, a sudden and powerful downdraft associated with thunderstorms. This phenomenon, which is particularly dangerous during landing, created conditions that the flight crew was unable to manage. Just over a mile from the runway, the aircraft lost control and crashed into a nearby residential area in Queens, New York.
Onboard were 124 people, including passengers and crew members. Tragically, 113 individuals lost their lives due to the impact and subsequent fire, making it one of the deadliest aviation disasters in U.S. history at the time. Eyewitness accounts detail the horrifying sight of the aircraft enveloped in flames as it struck the ground. Rescue efforts were immediately launched, but the majority of fatalities were caused by the intense fire that engulfed the wreckage.
In the aftermath of the crash, a thorough investigation was conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This investigation underscored the critical need for improved understanding and awareness of wind shear effects on aircraft during takeoff and landing. The tragedy became a catalyst for decades of research into meteorological hazards in aviation, leading to advancements in detection and warning systems for pilots.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 highlighted the dangers of wind shear, particularly microbursts, which were not well understood at the time. This catastrophic event spurred significant advancements in weather forecasting and aviation safety protocols. It led to the development of automated wind shear detection systems, improving pilot awareness and response to such meteorological events. The research initiated by this accident has had lasting effects on aviation safety practices.
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