What happened
Pilgrim Flight 203 departed Groton at approximately 16:21, running roughly 15 minutes behind its scheduled departure time due to previous ground delays. After takeoff, the aircraft was cleared by New York Center to proceed toward Deer Park via Saybrook. During the flight, the crew received several altitude changes and holding instructions as weather conditions at Kennedy Airport worsened, leading to a change in approach runways.
By 18:14, the crew was cleared to land at New Haven-Tweed Airport. However, shortly after reporting inbound from Pond Point, the crew reported a missed approach. The aircraft was then directed toward the Madison VOR at 2,000 feet. At 18:19, the crew requested a direct route to Groton, citing urgent needs. By 18:20, the pilot notified Westchester Approach Control that the aircraft was operating with minimum fuel and required an immediate diversion to Groton.
After receiving clearance for an instrument approach to Groton via the Bradley FSS, the captain contacted company dispatch at 18:24. During this communication, the pilot reported significant equipment failures, including a non-functional transponder, and stated that the aircraft was flying approximately 100 feet above the water along the 270-degree radial of the Groton VOR. The pilot also indicated that fuel exhaustion was imminent. Shortly after, the crew reported the loss of the first engine, followed by the loss of the second engine. The final transmission from the aircraft stated they could not reach the shoreline and were entering the water near Harkness Point.
Findings
- The aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion during the diversion.
- The incident was driven by inadequate flight preparation and incorrect decisions made by the pilot-in-command while in flight.