3 fatalities

Wake Turbulence from Boeing 707 Leads to Crash After Intersection Takeoff; Three Killed (N558MA)

New York-JFK, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On July 15, 1969, a De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter (registration N558MA) operated by New York Airways (1949) was involved in an aviation accident near New York-JFK, United States of America during takeoff. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The crew lost control of the airplane due to wake turbulences caused by a Boeing 707 that just took off from the same runway. The crew failed to consider the warning from ATC. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A crew, behind schedule, initiated an intersection takeoff despite ATC warning about a preceding Boeing 707. After liftoff, the aircraft stalled and crashed due to wake turbulence, killing three and injuring eleven.

Accident Summary

The accident occurred when the crew, running 12 minutes behind schedule, decided to start the takeoff procedure from an intersection. Despite a warning from air traffic control about a Boeing 707 that had recently taken off from the same runway, the departure was precipitated. Shortly after liftoff during initial climb, the airplane became unstable, stalled, and crashed.

Injuries and Damage

Both pilots and one passenger were killed in the crash. Eleven other occupants sustained injuries, some of them serious.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the crew lost control of the airplane due to wake turbulence generated by the Boeing 707 that had departed just before them. Additionally, the crew failed to consider the warning issued by ATC.

Probable cause

The crew lost control of the airplane due to wake turbulences caused by a Boeing 707 that just took off from the same runway. The crew failed to consider the warning from ATC.