<P> The aircraft involved, a 14 - year - old Boeing 727 - 235, registration N4737, construction number 19457 / 518, was delivered to National Airlines on January 31, 1968 . The aircraft was powered by three Pratt & Whitney JT8D - 7B turbofan engines, and was renamed from 37 Susan / Erica to Clipper Defiance after National was merged with Pan Am . </P> <P> The weather forecast issued at 0740 on July 9 by New Orleans National Meteorological Center contained thunderstorms, possible severe turbulence, icing, and wind shear . The weather chart at 1800 local time identified a high pressure system located 60 nm off the Louisiana coast . No fronts or low pressure areas were within 100 nm of the airport . The forecast between 1200 and 2200 indicated "scattered clouds, variable to broken clouds at 3,000 ft, thunderstorms, and moderate rain showers ." According to the NWS (National Weather Service), there were no severe weather warnings for the time and area of the accident . </P> <P> Flight 759 began its takeoff from Runway 10 at the New Orleans International Airport (now Louis Armstrong New Orleans International), in Kenner, Louisiana at 16: 07: 57 central daylight time, bound for Las Vegas, Nevada . At the time of Flight 759's takeoff, there were thunderstorms over the east of the airport and east - northeast of the departure end of runway 10 . The winds were reported to be "gusty and swirling ." Flight 759 lifted off the runway, climbed to an altitude of between 95 and 150 feet (29 and 46 m), and then began to descend . About 2,376 feet (724 m) from the end of runway, the aircraft struck a line of trees at an altitude of about 50 feet (15 m). The aircraft continued descending for another 2,234 feet (681 m), hitting trees and houses . At 16: 09: 01, the aircraft crashed into the residential area of Kenner, about 4,610 feet (1405 m) from the end of the runway . </P> <P> The aircraft was destroyed by the impact, explosion, and subsequent ground fire . A total of 153 people were killed (all 145 passengers and crew on board and 8 on the ground). Another 4 people on the ground sustained injuries . In one of the destroyed houses, a baby was discovered in a crib covered with debris that protected her from the flames . The child's mother and 4 - year - old sister were killed . In total, six houses were destroyed; five houses were damaged substantially . </P>

Where did the plane crash in kenner la