Accident Sequence
Seaboard & Western's Flight LN-800, operating as a training flight, commenced its takeoff roll on runway 31R at New York International Airport at 1100. As the aircraft reached an airspeed of 117 knots (V2), it became airborne and climbed to an altitude of approximately 25 feet. At this low altitude, the crew encountered severe control difficulty, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left. The left wing dropped 20 to 30 degrees and struck the runway surface. Following the wing strike, directional control was completely lost.
The aircraft skidded in a westerly direction, departing the runway and entering a temporary terminal area. It continued skidding until it struck a parked Trans Canada Air Lines Vickers 724 Viscount. The impact brought the aircraft to a stop.
Aftermath
All five crew members aboard Flight LN-800 sustained injuries. The Vickers Viscount that was struck was unoccupied at the time of the collision.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an unwanted propeller reversal at low altitude occurring immediately after takeoff. A contributing factor was identified as the inadequate overhaul procedure employed by the propeller manufacturer.