What happened
During a local training mission operating out of Calverton-Peconic River Airport on Long Island, New York, an aircraft experienced a catastrophic loss of control. While the crew was performing maneuvers at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet during an approach to runway 23, the plane began to yaw toward the right side.
This movement led to an aerodynamic stall, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly into a nearby field situated roughly three miles from the airport perimeter. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to break apart. There were five fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was the crew's inability to identify and rectify a developing excessive yaw. This lack of correction resulted in an unintended rolling motion. Because this maneuver occurred at such a low altitude, there was insufficient height available for the flight crew to successfully recover the aircraft before hitting the ground.