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70 fatalities

Flight 128 Crash in Cincinnati (N821TW)

Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On November 20, 1967, a Convair 880 (registration N821TW) operated by Trans World Airlines - TWA was involved in an aviation accident near Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky, United States of America during landing or approach. 70 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Board determined that the probable cause of this accident was an attempt by the crew to conduct a night, visual, no-glide-slope approach during deteriorating weather conditions without adequate altimeter cross reference. 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)Primary report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N821TW
Aircraft registered N821TW. Photo: Bob Garrard / CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Flight 128 crashed near Cincinnati after a delayed descent and a night approach without a glide slope. The crew attempted a visual approach in deteriorating weather, resulting in a fatal impact with terrain.

Flight Details and Initial Descent Flight 128 was a scheduled domestic service from Los Angeles International Airport to Boston, with stops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. The departure from Los Angeles was delayed for an equipment change, though the aircraft was airworthy. The only carry-over issue was an inoperative generator, which was unrelated to the accident. The flight departed at 1737 hours Eastern Standard Time. The descent into Cincinnati was delayed by conflicting traffic, forcing the crew to begin the descent closer to the destination than usual. This required a higher-than-normal rate of descent toward the initial approach fix. Cockpit evidence indicated the crew was relaxed and operating within established limits. As the flight left 15,500 ft, the crew discussed the rapid descent and checked the anti-icing equipment, finding no discrepancies.

Probable cause

The Board determined that the probable cause of this accident was an attempt by the crew to conduct a night, visual, no-glide-slope approach during deteriorating weather conditions without adequate altimeter cross reference. The approach was conducted using visual reference to partially lighted irregular terrain which may have been conducive to producing an illusionary sense of adequate terrain clearance.

Related events

Same operator

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