What happened
On February 12, 2009, at approximately 2217 eastern standard time, a Bombardier DHC-8-400, operating as Continental Connection flight 3407, was performing an instrument approach to Buffalo-Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, New York. The aircraft, registration N200WQ, crashed into a residence in Clarence Center, New York, located roughly 5 nautical miles northeast of the airport.
The accident occurred under night visual meteorological conditions with a visibility of 3 statute miles and winds from 250 degrees at 15 knots. The impact and subsequent postcrash fire destroyed the aircraft. The crash resulted in 49 fatal injuries to those aboard the aircraft, including two pilots, two flight attendants, and 45 passengers, as well as one fatality to a person on the ground.