Incident Overview
During a routine flight originating from Buffalo, an aircraft was cleared by Ground Control Approach (GCA) to descend for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to Newark airport. At the time of the event, weather conditions were marginal, characterized by an indefinite ceiling at 400 feet, visibility limited to three-quarters of a mile, light rain, fog, and obscurantion. The altimeter setting was reported as 29.97.
Sequence of Events
The flight reported its position over Linden, New Jersey, at 1,500 feet inbound to the airport at 1541 hours. Surveillance records indicate that the aircraft vanished from GCA screens at a point approximately 900 feet to the right of the glide path while maintaining an altitude of 400 feet. This loss of signal was attributed to ground interference.
Impact and Consequences
For unexplained reasons, the aircraft deviated significantly to the left from its intended approach path. It maintained a nearly level attitude while flying below the overcast layer for approximately 1,300 feet in an easterly direction before colliding with obstacles. The impact caused the aircraft to crash in flames onto several houses located in Elizabeth, roughly three miles from the threshold of runway 06.
Casualties and Damage
The accident resulted in the deaths of all 23 occupants on board the aircraft and seven individuals on the ground. Additionally, nine other people sustained injuries. The collision caused the destruction of several residential structures.
Investigation Findings
Weather data indicated that conditions near the accident scene, located about three miles southwest of the airport, were more severe than those reported at the airport itself. Furthermore, the low-altitude environment was favorable for the formation of carburetor ice. Due to a lack of conclusive evidence, the investigating board determined that there was insufficient information available to establish a definitive probable cause.