USAir Flight 5050, a McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32, was scheduled for a flight from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Columbus, Ohio. On September 20, 1989, the aircraft began its takeoff roll when the crew noticed an issue related to engine performance. Recognizing the problem, the pilots initiated a rejected takeoff in an effort to abort the flight. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, the aircraft could not halt in time and departed the runway's end, crashing into Bowery Bay shortly thereafter. The emergency response teams were dispatched quickly but the situation was dire, resulting in the loss of two passengers on board. The subsequent investigation revealed that the accident was primarily caused by mechanical failure and the crew's decision-making under pressure. The NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) launched an inquiry into the circumstances leading to the crash, focused on the performance and maintenance records of the aircraft. In the days that followed, discussions about flight safety protocols and measures for similar incidents became a focal point for both airlines and regulatory bodies, highlighting the need for improved training and better mechanical checks before flights. The incident underscored the challenges of ensuring safety in aviation, a critical industry for global travel.