N6101A This aircraft crashed with 65 fatalities on FEB 3 1959. The crew of Flight AA320 were carrying out an ILS backcourse approach to New York-La Guardia (LGA) runway 22 with autopilot engaged. The Lockheed Electra aircraft descended until it struck the water some 5000 feet short of the runway and 600 feet to the right of the extended centreline. Ground speed on impact was 150mph and undercarriage and flaps were extended. The wreckage sank in 10m deep East River. Weather at the time of the accident was marginal with a 300-400 feet ceiling, 2 miles visibility in light rain and fog with a 6 knots SSW wind. PROBABLE CAUSE: "The Board determines the probable cause of this accident was premature descent below landing minimums which was the result of preoccupation of the crew on particular aspects of the aircraft and its environment to the neglect of essential flight instrument references for attitude and height above the approach surface.
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