Casualties unknown

Car Overturned by Jet Exhaust from Boeing 747 During Aborted Takeoff (DABYO)

Jamaica, NY, US

On January 18, 1984, a Boeing 747-230 (registration DABYO) operated by Lufthansa Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Jamaica, NY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 747-230
Photo: Tosaka / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 747 (D-ABYO) aborted takeoff after the pilot saw a car approaching; the car slid onto the runway and was overturned by jet exhaust, injuring occupants.

Incident Overview

At the time of the incident, runway 31L was the only active runway. Approximately nine snow removal vehicles were operating on runway 4L/22R to clear snow. The drivers of these vehicles had been instructed to hold short of runway 31L.

Takeoff and Abort

A Boeing 747, registration D-ABYO, received clearance for takeoff on runway 31L. The pilot commenced the takeoff roll but observed a car approaching the runway and immediately aborted the takeoff.

Car Entry onto Runway

The driver of the car believed that runway 31L was closed. Before entering the runway, the driver saw the aircraft and applied the brakes. However, the car slid onto the runway surface.

Consequence

There was no collision between the aircraft and the car. However, the jet exhaust from the Boeing 747 overturned the car, resulting in injuries to the occupants of the car.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Jan 1984 Boeing 747-230 accident near Jamaica, NY?

A Boeing 747 (D-ABYO) aborted takeoff after the pilot saw a car approaching; the car slid onto the runway and was overturned by jet exhaust, injuring occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Jan 1984 involved a Boeing 747-230, registration DABYO, operated by Lufthansa Airlines, at Jamaica, NY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X38659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.