Pilgrim Flight 203 Accident (N124PM)

Flight Progression and Delays Pilgrim Flight 203 departed from Groton at approximately 16:21, running about 15 minutes behind schedule due to ground delays from previous operations. After takeoff, the flight was cleared by New York Center to Deer Park, with altitude instructions that fluctuated between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. The crew reported holding at Deer Park at 7,000 feet around 16:47. As weather at Kennedy Airport deteriorated, the flight was recleared to hold in the Medford pattern at 16:55 and later given an expected approach clearance time of 17:46. ## Diversion and Fuel Emergencies At 17:42, the crew requested an expedited clearance to New Haven. The flight was cleared to descend and proceed to Pond Point, the final approach fix for New Haven-Tweed Airport. However, upon reaching the fix at 17:57, the crew was informed that holding was still required. By 18:12, the airport was reported below minimums. After checking the weather at Bridgeport, the crew decided to attempt the approach but missed it shortly before 18:17. The flight was cleared to the Madison VOR at 2,000 feet. At 18:20, the crew declared a minimum fuel state and requested a direct route to Groton. The flight was cleared to the Groton VOR via Victor Airway 126 at 3,000 feet. ## Final Communications and Crash At 18:24, the captain contacted his company radio, stating that the aircraft's equipment was not working and that he was flying approximately 100 feet above the water. When asked about fuel, the captain stated he had none remaining and that fuel exhaustion could occur at any time. The captain subsequently reported losing one engine, then the other, and stated that the aircraft was going into the water off Harkness Point. This was the final transmission from the aircraft.