Incident
During arrival, the flight was cleared for an instrument landing system (ILS) and distance measuring equipment (DME) approach to runway 27. While on the approach, the aircraft crashed into the ocean approximately 2.7 miles east of the runway threshold. The pilot reported that he was conducting the approach using instruments and landed short for unknown reasons.
Injuries and Rescue
The pilot received a serious head injury. He was rescued by fishermen who heard the aircraft crash and then followed the sound of voices in the fog to locate him. The captain survived; the copilot died in the accident.
Weather Conditions
Weather observations at 0835 at Boston included partial obscuration, 25,000 feet overcast, 4 miles visibility with fog and haze, and wind from 140 degrees at 7 knots. Other pilots reported low ceilings and a fog bank in the vicinity of the crash site.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the accident was an in-flight collision with terrain/water during the approach phase—specifically between the final approach fix (FAF) or outer marker and the threshold under instrument flight rules (IFR). Findings identified contributing weather conditions: low ceiling, fog, and haze or smoke. The pilot-in-command was cited for improper IFR procedure and for failing to identify the decision height.