4 fatalities

Twin-Engine Aircraft Crashes on Final Approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, Killing Four (N6235Q)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On December 29, 1970, a Cessna 401 (registration N6235Q) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control on final approach because the pilot failed to follow the approved procedures. The airplane encountered turbulences approximately 95 seconds behind and below a landing Boeing 727 flight path. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach, a twin-engine aircraft lost control after being too close to a preceding Boeing 727, crashed short of the runway, killing all four occupants.

Accident

On final approach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, a twin-engine aircraft was flying too close to a preceding Boeing 727. Air traffic control cautioned the pilot about wake turbulence. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground, and crashed a few miles short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed in the impact, and all four occupants were killed.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was a loss of control on final approach because the pilot failed to follow approved procedures. The airplane encountered turbulence approximately 95 seconds behind and below the flight path of a landing Boeing 727. The pilot had been cautioned by the tower about wake turbulence.