Bodies of Nine Juda High Girls Arrive at Truax Field
Mar 30, 1967 - Kenner, LA
At approximately 1 am a Delta Airlines training flight lost control during a simulated two-engine-out approach to New Orleans International Airport. Described as
“cartwheeling” because of the way it hit the ground and tumbled, the jetliner struck power lines and trees short of the runway before slashing through the corner
of a house and a vehicle. It then skidded and severely damaged two houses coming to rest against the buildings of a motel complex where the plane and building burned.
Thirteen people on the ground and all six on board were killed. Nine of the ground victims were part of a senior class trip, six weeks from graduation, from Juda High
in Wisconsin that were staying in the motel. Probable cause was determined to be improper supervision by the instructor, captain-trainee fatigue and improper use of
flight and power controls.
The plane returning the girls to Wisconsin had to arrive at Truax Field in Madison because it was too large to land at any airport closer to Juda.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport - 1 Terminal Dr, Kenner, LA Delta Airlines Flight 9877 - Douglas DC-8 Jetliner Hilton Inn - 901 Airline Dr., Kenner, LA
