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4 fatalities

Airplane Crashes onto Natural Gas Storage Tank in Elizabeth, New Jersey (N3218Q)

Newark, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On March 18, 1970, a Cessna 402 (registration N3218Q) operated by Suburban Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Newark, United States of America during landing or approach. 4 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Ground collision during initial approach caused by the combination of the following factors: the pilot-in-command failed to follow the approved procedures, improper IFR operation on part of the pilot-in-command, instruments misread or failed to read,… This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

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

During an approach to Newark Airport in heavy rain, an airplane struck a natural gas storage tank in Elizabeth, New Jersey, killing all four occupants and destroying the aircraft.

Incident

In marginal weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall, the pilot began an approach to Newark Liberty International Airport. As the aircraft progressed on final approach to runway 04L, the pilot did not realize that the altitude was insufficient. The airplane subsequently struck a natural gas storage tank in Elizabeth, New Jersey, located a short distance from the runway threshold. The impact caused the total destruction of the aircraft, and all four individuals on board were killed.

Probable Cause

The official probable cause was a ground collision during initial approach due to a combination of factors:

  • The pilot-in-command failed to follow approved procedures.
  • Improper IFR operation on the part of the pilot-in-command.
  • Instruments misread or failed to read.
  • Obstructions to vision.
  • Rain.
  • No second pilot on board.
  • Descended below glide slope on an ILS approach to runway 04L.

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