FAA Douglas C-47 N7 Crashes Short of Runway 06 at LaGuardia Airport

Accident Overview and Location A Federal Aviation Administration Douglas C-47, N7, crashed approximately 2,000 feet short of the approach threshold of runway 06 at LaGuardia Airport, New York. The accident occurred while the crew was attempting to fly an Instrument Landing System approach in instrument meteorological conditions at night. ## Weather Conditions The LaGuardia weather reported 3 minutes after the accident was: '200 feet scattered, measured 300 broken, 600 overcast, visibility 1 1/2 mile, light rain, fog, wind 060° at 11 knots, altimeter 29.63 inches, runway 04, visibility variable to 3 miles.' ## Probable Cause The official findings determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the pilot to recognize the windshear conditions and compensate for it; the lack of crew coordination in that the copilot did not monitor the approach due to a self-induced communications problem and failed to warn the pilot that the aircraft was too low; and the diversion of the pilot's attention from his primary task of completing the approach and landing. These conditions resulted in a mismanaged ILS and landing approach and the continuation of the descent into ground obstructions.