What happened
The incident involved the first prototype of the Fokker F32, a large four-engine aircraft designed to carry 32 passengers. The plane was undergoing a test flight as part of its certification program. The crew consisted of the pilot and an inspector from the Department of Commerce. They departed Roosevelt Field with the intention of flying to Teterboro. During the takeoff roll, one of the two left-side engines was intentionally shut down for testing purposes.
Shortly after liftoff, while the aircraft was in the climb phase, the second engine on the left side failed. This dual failure on one wing resulted in insufficient airspeed, causing the aircraft to stall. The plane subsequently crashed into a residential house located near the airport and burst into flames. The impact forces and the subsequent post-crash fire destroyed the aircraft.
Findings
Both occupants of the aircraft sustained injuries in the crash. A baby residing in the house struck by the aircraft was found unhurt. The official investigation identified engine failure as the primary cause of the accident.