Accident description
Last updated: 20 May 2013
Status:Final
Date:18 DEC 1954
Time:14:00
Type:Douglas DC-6B
Operator:Linee Aeree Italiane - LAI
Registration: I-LINE
C/n / msn: 44418/487
First flight: 1954
Crew:Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 10
Passengers:Fatalities: 16 / Occupants: 22
Total:Fatalities: 26 / Occupants: 32
Airplane damage: Written off
Airplane fate: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:near New York-Idlewild International Airport, NY (IDL) (United States of America)
Phase: Approach (APR)
Nature:Domestic Scheduled Passenger
Departure airport:Boston Airport, MA (BOS/KBOS), United States of America
Destination airport:New York-Idlewild International Airport, NY (IDL/KIDL), United States of America
Flightnumber: 451
Narrative:
The DC-6 was on its 4th attempt to land at New York-Idlewild when it struck the pier which supported the left row of runway 04 slope line approach lights. The aircraft crashed in flames and sank in Jamaica Bay. The aircraft was on a flight from Roma-Ciampino to New York via Milan, Paris, Shannon, Gander and Boston.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "An erratic approach which resulted in a descent to an altitude too low to avoid striking the pier. A contributing factor to this accident was pilot fatigue due to the particular and difficult circumstances."

Sources:
» ICAO Accident Digest, Circular 47-AN/42 (197-204)
Sample newspaper article from Newspaperarchive.com

Photos
No Photo Available

Map
This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path.
Distance from Boston Airport, MA to New York-Idlewild International Airport, NY as the crow flies is 298 km (186 miles).

languages: English Français Nederlands Deutsch Espanol

Share
Share

Douglas DC-6

  • 21st loss
  • 704 built
  • 11th worst accident (at the time)
  • 37th worst accident (currently)
safety profile

 United States of America
  • 31st worst accident (at the time)
  • 131st worst accident (currently)
»safety profile