The flight left the terminal at La Guardia at 3:20 in the afternoon, 20 minutes behind schedule, and took off at 3:29. It then climbed to 14,000 feet before coming onto the assigned airway, Victor 3. At 4:02, the crew contacted Washington Center, reporting over Westchester, and estimating Westminster to be fifteen minutes away. In the same message, they noted that there were thunderstorms along the assigned course, and requested permission to navigate clear of the weather a little south of Westminster. The air traffic controller acknowledged the message and gave the go-ahead. At 4:10 the flight called again, the pilots noting that they had slowed somewhat to account for turbulence. This was the last message sent by the flight crew; three minutes later, the plane entered an area of severe turbulence, lost control, and entered a steep descent.
