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28 fatalities

American Airlines Flight 723 Accident (N94255)

Albany, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 16, 1953, a Convair CV-240 (registration N94255) operated by American Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Albany, United States of America during landing or approach. 28 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: During the execution of a contact approach, and while maneuvering for alignment with the runway to be used, descent was made to an altitude below obstructions partially obscured by fog in a local area of restricted visibility. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

On September 16, 1953, American Airlines Flight 723 crashed near Albany, New York, after a contact approach in fog. The probable cause was descending below obstructions partially obscured by fog.

Flight Details and Initial Operations American Airlines Flight 723 was a scheduled flight from Boston, Massachusetts, to Chicago, Illinois, with intermediate stops including Hartford, Connecticut, and Albany, New York. The crew consisted of Captain J. W. Stentz, First Officer W. J. Schanken, and Stewardess J. G. Thornquist. The aircraft arrived at Bradley Field, serving Hartford and Springfield, at 0657. The gross takeoff weight at Hartford was 37,889 pounds, within the allowable limit of 40,503 pounds, and the load was properly distributed. The flight departed Bradley Field at 0714 with 25 passengers, advising the tower it was proceeding to Albany under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

Probable cause

During the execution of a contact approach, and while maneuvering for alignment with the runway to be used, descent was made to an altitude below obstructions partially obscured by fog in a local area of restricted visibility.
Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Sept 1953 Convair CV-240 accident near Albany, United States of America?

On September 16, 1953, American Airlines Flight 723 crashed near Albany, New York, after a contact approach in fog. The probable cause was descending below obstructions partially obscured by fog.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Sept 1953 Convair CV-240 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 28 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Sept 1953 involved a Convair CV-240, registration N94255, operated by American Airlines, at Albany, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

During the execution of a contact approach, and while maneuvering for alignment with the runway to be used, descent was made to an altitude below obstructions partially obscured by fog in a local area of restricted visibility.

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