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25 fatalities

Eastern Air Lines Flight 512 Crash (N815D)

New York-Idlewild, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 30, 1962, a Douglas DC-7 (registration N815D) operated by Eastern Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near New York-Idlewild, United States of America during landing or approach. 25 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The technique employed by the crew during abandonment of the approach under fog conditions not adequately reported. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

Eastern Air Lines Flight 512, a Douglas DD-7B (N815D), crashed on Nov. 30, 1962, during a go-around at New York International Airport. Of 51 aboard, 24 did not survive.

Incident Overview and Casualties On November 30, 1962, Eastern Air Lines Flight 512, operating a Douglas DD-7B with registration N815D, crashed while attempting a go-around after an instrument approach to runway 4R at New York International Airport. The accident occurred at 2145 e.s.t. The aircraft was on a regularly scheduled non-stop flight from Charlotte, North Carolina. Of the 51 persons aboard, 21 passengers, 3 crew members, and an additional crew member in the jump seat did not survive. ## Operational Sequence The aircraft entered a fog condition near the threshold of runway 4R. A go-around was initiated, but the aircraft struck the ground in a slightly nose-high attitude. The impact and subsequent fire virtually destroyed the aircraft. ## Official Findings The Board determined the probable cause of the accident was the technique employed by the crew during abandonment of the approach under fog conditions not adequately reported.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Nov 1962 Douglas DC-7 accident near New York-Idlewild, United States of America?

Eastern Air Lines Flight 512, a Douglas DD-7B (N815D), crashed on Nov. 30, 1962, during a go-around at New York International Airport. Of 51 aboard, 24 did not survive.

Were there any fatalities in the 30 Nov 1962 Douglas DC-7 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 25 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Nov 1962 involved a Douglas DC-7, registration N815D, operated by Eastern Airlines, at New York-Idlewild, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The technique employed by the crew during abandonment of the approach under fog conditions not adequately reported.

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