Approach and Windshear Encounter
TWA Flight 524, a Boeing 727-231, was conducting an ILS approach to Runway 22 at LaGuardia Airport. The approach was flown in instrument meteorological conditions. According to the flight crew, they broke out of the clouds and observed the runway centerline lights at 100 feet above decision height. The approach remained stabilized until the aircraft reached an altitude between 50 and 100 feet above ground level. At that point, the nose swung rapidly to the right, reaching a heading of 242 degrees, and a high rate of descent developed. The captain applied left rudder and advanced the throttles to full power, but was unable to arrest the descent.
Touchdown and Damage
The aircraft touched down near the intersection of Runways 22 and 13, bounced, returned to the runway surface, and rolled out on the runway. Post-landing inspection revealed damage to the number 7 and 8 leading slats and their actuators. The right tip of the aircraft also exhibited minor damage.
Weather Conditions
Wind readings at the time of the incident showed a significant shift. When Flight 524 was at the outer marker, the wind was from 230 degrees at 6 knots. Shortly after touchdown, the wind had changed to 330 degrees at 21 knots, gusting to 48 knots. During the approach, the crew monitored their weather radar and noted a thunderstorm located to the right of the approach path. An aircraft positioned at the Runway 13 runup pad reported that heavy rain and a gust front had hit just prior to TWA's touchdown.
Conclusion
The incident involved a low-level windshear encounter during the final approach phase, with subsequent damage to the aircraft's leading edge slats and right tip. No further details are available from the source.