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113 fatalities

Eastern Air Lines Flight 66 (N8845E)

New York-JFK, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On June 24, 1975, a Boeing 727-200 (registration N8845E) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near New York-JFK, United States of America during landing or approach. 113 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft's encounter with adverse winds associated with a very strong thunderstorm located astride the ILS localizer course, which resulted in a high descent rate into the non-frangible approach light towers. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N8845E
Aircraft registered N8845E. Photo: Bob Garrard / CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eastern Air Lines Flight 66, a Boeing 727-225, struck approach light towers while landing at Kennedy Airport after encountering severe winds from a thunderstorm.

Flight Operations and Approach Conditions Eastern Air Lines Flight 66, a Boeing 727-225, departed New Orleans for New York-JFK on a scheduled passenger flight. The aircraft arrived in the New York City terminal area under an IFR flight plan. Kennedy approach control provided radar vectors to sequence the flight and position it for an ILS approach to runway 22L. Weather reports indicated variable conditions, including haze, light rain showers, and a severe wind shift on the final approach. Another Eastern flight, a Lockheed L-1011 TriStar, reported significant wind shear and aborted its approach. The Flight 66 crew acknowledged the report and continued their approach, with the first officer flying the aircraft. The crew noted the need to maintain a healthy margin due to the reported conditions.

Probable cause

The aircraft's encounter with adverse winds associated with a very strong thunderstorm located astride the ILS localizer course, which resulted in a high descent rate into the non-frangible approach light towers. The flight crew's delayed recognition and correction of the high descent rate were probably associated with their reliance upon visual cues rather than on flight instrument reference. Contributing to the accident was the continued use of runway 22L when it should have become evident to both air traffic control personnel and the flight crew that a severe weather hazard existed along the approach path.
Weather

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jun 1975 Boeing 727-200 accident near New York-JFK, United States of America?

Eastern Air Lines Flight 66, a Boeing 727-225, struck approach light towers while landing at Kennedy Airport after encountering severe winds from a thunderstorm.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 Jun 1975 Boeing 727-200 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 113 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jun 1975 involved a Boeing 727-200, registration N8845E, operated by Eastern Airlines, at New York-JFK, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft's encounter with adverse winds associated with a very strong thunderstorm located astride the ILS localizer course, which resulted in a high descent rate into the non-frangible approach light towers. The flight crew's delayed recognition and correction of the high descent rate were probably associated…

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