Douglas DC-9 crash, Apr 4, 1977 (72 killed), New Hope Geo...
Douglas DC-9 accident on April 4, 1977 near New Hope Georgia, United States with 72 fatalities. Cause: Loss of thrust from both engines after the...
- Date: April 4, 1977
- Aircraft: Douglas DC-9
- Location: New Hope Georgia, United States
- Fatalities: 72
- Phase of flight: En route
- Cause: Loss of thrust from both engines after the aircraft penetrated a severe thunderstorm, caused by ingestion of water and hail that led to compressor stalls and engine damage.
Southern Airways Flight 242 flew into a severe thunderstorm near Rome, Georgia, and both engines lost thrust after ingesting heavy rain and hail. The crew tried to reach an airport but then made an emergency landing on State Spur Highway 92 in New Hope, Georgia, where the aircraft struck trees, poles and vehicles. Of the 85 people aboard, 62 died, and eight people on the ground were also killed.