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Electra Flight 361 Strikes Dyke on Approach to LaGuardia (N6127A)

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

On September 14, 1960, a Lockheed L-188 Electra (registration N6127A) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near New York-LaGuardia, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the failure of the pilot to properly plan and execute the approach to a landing. Factors which may have contributed were the shortened runway and the unmarked upper portion of the dike. 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. Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) accident report collection at the National Transportation LibraryUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An Electra scheduled as Flight 361 struck a dyke with its main landing gear during final approach at LaGuardia, resulting in a crash landing. No fatalities were reported; about half of the 76 occupants suffered minor injuries or shock.

Incident Overview

An Electra operating as scheduled Flight 361 departed Boston at 0716 local time, en route to St Louis, Missouri, with a planned intermediate stop at LaGuardia Airport. Approximately ten minutes before departure, a crew change occurred when a check pilot boarded to flight-check the flight engineer. By mutual agreement and in accordance with established company policy, the check pilot took the left (pilot-in-command) seat, while the previously assigned captain moved to the jump seat.

Sequence of Events

The flight proceeded routinely until final approach at LaGuardia. On final approach, the aircraft was positioned too low and struck a dyke with its main landing gear, leading to a crash landing.

Injuries and Damage

Of the 76 persons on board, approximately half suffered minor injuries or shock; no one was killed. The aircraft was severely damaged by impact forces and subsequent fire.

Probable Cause

The probable cause of the accident was the failure of the pilot to properly plan and execute the approach to a landing. Factors that may have contributed were the shortened runway and the unmarked upper portion of the dike.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Sept 1960 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident near New York-LaGuardia, United States of America?

An Electra scheduled as Flight 361 struck a dyke with its main landing gear during final approach at LaGuardia, resulting in a crash landing. No fatalities were reported; about half of the 76 occupants suffered minor injuries or shock.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Sept 1960 Lockheed L-188 Electra accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Sept 1960 involved a Lockheed L-188 Electra, registration N6127A, operated by American Airlines, at New York-LaGuardia, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the failure of the pilot to properly plan and execute the approach to a landing. Factors which may have contributed were the shortened runway and the unmarked upper portion of the dike.

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