On March 1, 1965, tragedy struck shortly after takeoff when Eastern Air Lines Flight 663, a Douglas DC-7, crashed into Jamaica Bay, New York, claiming the lives of all 84 people on board. The flight, which was en route to Miami, experienced a devastating takeoff accident just moments after leaving John F. Kennedy International Airport. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang as the aircraft ascended, followed by a plume of smoke and a sudden loss of altitude. The air traffic control tower noted the DC-7 struggling to maintain its flight path just minutes after departure. In a grim sequence of events, the airplane failed to regain altitude, ultimately plummeting into the waters of Jamaica Bay, about a mile from the airport. The immediate aftermath of the crash led to a comprehensive search and rescue operation initiated by the Port Authority and the Coast Guard. Divers and rescue teams worked tirelessly to locate debris and recover the victims. However, the wreckage was scattered, making the recovery complex and arduous. Ultimately, the efforts revealed exacerbating truths; there were no survivors. An investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) soon commenced, analyzing potential causes of the disaster. Preliminary findings suggested that mechanical failure might have played a significant role, with investigation teams focusing on the aircraft's engines and operational history. The crash of Flight 663 remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in New York's history. It served as a somber reminder of the inherent risks of air travel and propelled safety advancements within the aviation industry, leading to enhanced regulations and operational protocols to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.