7 fatalities

Twin-Engine Plane Crashes into Lake Pontchartrain, Seven Killed (N962MA)

New Orleans-Lakefront, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On February 23, 1980, a Mitsubishi MU-2 Marquise (registration N962MA) operated by Proform was involved in an aviation accident near New Orleans-Lakefront, United States of America during landing or approach. 7 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Controlled collision with water on final approach due to improper IFR operation. The following contributing factors were reported: - Low ceiling, - Fog, - Visibility 1/4 mile or less, - Weather conditions below minimums. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to New Orleans-Lakefront Airport, a twin-engine airplane struck the water and crashed into Lake Pontchartrain. The wreckage was found 400 yards left of the localizer. All seven occupants were killed.

Accident

A twin-engine airplane crashed into Lake Pontchartrain while on approach to New Orleans-Lakefront Airport. The accident occurred in limited visibility due to low ceiling and foggy conditions. The aircraft struck the water surface and came to rest in the lake. Investigators located the wreckage approximately 400 yards to the left of the localizer. All seven occupants aboard the aircraft were killed.

Probable Cause

According to official findings, the probable cause of the accident was a controlled collision with water on final approach due to improper IFR operation. Contributing factors included low ceiling, fog, visibility of 1/4 mile or less, and weather conditions below minimums.