Kentucky Historical Society
KHS to Dedicate Historical Marker to Crash Site of AA Flight 383

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 17, 2011) — The Kentucky Historical Society will dedicate a historical marker to memorialize the crash site of American Airlines flight 383 at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21 at the 5000 block of River Rd. in Constance, Ky.

American Airlines flight 383 was approaching the Greater Cincinnati Airport in rainy conditions on Nov. 8, 1965 when it crashed into a hillside. The three-engine Boeing 727 Astrojet was en route from New York to Cincinnati. In all, 58 people perished, four of whom were Kentuckians. One crew member and three passengers survived.

This was the second in a series of four 727 crashes within seven months.  The Civil Aeronautics Board ruled pilot error as the cause. As a result, all airlines modified their training manuals, and pilots were re-oriented to the characteristics of the aircraft. A new and safer 7800-foot east-west runway was completed in April 1967.

This marker is sponsored by the Flight 383 and 128 Memorial Group.

The Kentucky Historical Marker Program, administered by the Kentucky Historical Society in cooperation with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, commemorates historical sites, events and personalities throughout the state. Through the program, the wealth of Kentucky history is made accessible to the public on markers along the state’s roadways. The markers are on-the-spot history lessons that add drama and interest to the countryside for native Kentuckians as well as tourists.

For more information about the program, contact Becky Riddle, Kentucky Historical Marker program coordinator, at 502-564-1792, ext. 4474 or Becky.Riddle@ky.gov.