B741, en-route, East Moriches NY USA, 1996
B741, en-route, East Moriches NY USA, 1996
Summary
On 17 July 1996, a Boeing 747, operated by TWA, experienced an in-flight breakup and then crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near East Moriches, New York, USA.
Flight Details
Aircraft
Operator
Type of Flight
Public Transport (Passenger)
Flight Origin
Intended Destination
Take-off Commenced
Yes
Flight Airborne
Yes
Flight Completed
No
Phase of Flight
Cruise
Location
Approx.
near East Moriches, NY
General
Tag(s)
Inadequate Airworthiness Procedures
LOC
Tag(s)
Airframe Structural Failure
AW
System(s)
Airframe,
Fuel,
Other
Contributor(s)
Component Fault after installation
Outcome
Damage or injury
Yes
Aircraft damage
Hull loss
Non-aircraft damage
Yes
Non-occupant Casualties
No
Occupant Fatalities
Most or all occupants
Off Airport Landing
Yes
Ditching
Yes
Causal Factor Group(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Technical
Safety Recommendation(s)
Group(s)
Aircraft Airworthiness
Investigation Type
Type
Independent
Cite This Page
SKYbrary Aviation Safety. (June 2, 2023). B741, en-route, East Moriches NY USA, 1996. EUROCONTROL.
Retrieved February 2, 2026
from https://skybrary.aero/accidents-and-incidents/b741-en-route-east-moriches-ny-usa-1996
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Description
On 17 July 1996, a Boeing 747, operated by TWA, experienced an in-flight breakup and then crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near East Moriches, New York, USA.
Safety issues in the official accident report focus on fuel tank flammability, fuel tank ignition sources, design and certification standards, and the maintenance and ageing of aircraft systems.
Related Articles
Further Reading
For further information:
- see NTSB - AAR 00/03 In-flight Breakup Over The Atlantic Ocean, Trans World Airlines Flight 800, Boeing 747-131, N93119, Near East Moriches, New York, July 17, 1996.
- see also FAA "Lessons Learned from Transport Airplane Accidents": TWA Flight 800, Boeing 747-100, N93119
