During lap 10 of the 1974 United States Grand Prix at Watkins Glen,
while approaching the tight corner at the very far end of the circuit, Helmut Koinigg inexplicably went straight on, it seemed to have been no attempt at braking, probably due to a deflating rear tyre. The car slammed through three layers of catch mesh on the outside of the corner and went head-on into the steel guardrail beyond at a steep angle. The chassis of the Surtees apparently went through between the rails, the driver was decapitated.