The MD-11 departed Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR) on runway 04L. The take-off roll was 2,718 ft, 32 % of the runway, and rotation occurred at 156 kt. Local weather was 71 °F with a wind 8 kt from 350°, giving a 6 kt headwind and a 4 kt crosswind.

Initial climb to 1,000 ft agl took 19 seconds, averaging 2,444 fpm and reaching 196 kt at the top of the climb. The aircraft then climbed from 972 ft asl to 12,011 ft asl in 3 minutes, covering 16 nm while remaining overhead Newark.

Cruise was level at 12,000 ft asl for 5 minutes, covering 31 nm with the aircraft over Westfield.

Descent began at 11,975 ft asl and proceeded to 1,144 ft asl in 15 minutes, covering 68 nm. The descent started 2 mi north of Yardley and included brief level-offs at 10,700 ft asl and 2,300 ft asl.

Final approach to runway 09R at Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL) started from 1,269 ft agl and descended to 109 ft agl in 89 seconds. Stabilisation checks at 1,000 ft and 500 ft above the runway were met for gear down, landing flap, sink rate, glideslope, speed, and wings level; the centreline check was not met at one gate. Configuration was gear down at 1,828 ft agl at 194 kt, and final flap position 6 was selected at 1,562 ft agl at 181 kt.

Landing on runway 09R (runway length 11,932 ft) had a threshold height of 67 ft agl, which was above target, while the threshold speed of 159 kt was good. The flare was described as excellent. Touchdown occurred 504 ft beyond the touchdown zone at 147 kt, with a rate of -209 fpm (fair) and perfect runway-touchdown alignment. No bounce was observed. Total landing distance was 5,731 ft, 48 % of the runway, and rollout alignment was perfect. Local weather at landing was 66 °F with a wind 4 kt from 009°, giving a 2 kt headwind and a 4 kt crosswind.

After landing, the aircraft taxied to parking in 4 minutes, covering less than 1 nm. The total flight covered 123 nm in 33 minutes and used 8,298 lb of fuel.