The Tragedy of Mohawk Airlines Flight 405

On a cold Friday evening, March 3, 1972, a routine domestic scheduled passenger flight operated by Mohawk Airlines met a devastating end, etching a somber date into Albany, New York's history. This was Mohawk Airlines Flight 405, a flight that tragically concluded its journey not at the runway, but within the city limits of Albany itself, claiming the lives of 17 individuals aboard.

The Ill-Fated Aircraft and Its Final Moments

The aircraft involved in this somber incident was a Fairchild Hiller FH-227, a twin-engine turboprop airliner bearing the registration N7818M. As Flight 405 was making its final approach to Albany County Airport—an airfield now known as Albany International Airport—something went terribly wrong. Instead of a smooth landing, the aircraft veered from its intended path, crashing directly into a residential home. This horrific event unfolded suddenly and without warning, transforming a quiet neighborhood into a scene of unimaginable tragedy. The impact occurred within Albany's city boundaries, approximately four miles south of the airport, which is situated in the suburban Town of Colonie. This geographical detail underscores how close the flight was to its destination, yet how far it ultimately fell.

Investigating the Albany Plane Crash: Context and Aftermath

The 1972 Albany plane crash of Mohawk Airlines Flight 405 sent shockwaves through the community and the broader aviation industry. While the immediate aftermath focused on rescue and recovery, the subsequent investigations sought to understand the complex factors that led to such a catastrophic failure during a critical phase of flight. Such incidents often highlight the intricate balance between human factors, mechanical reliability, and environmental conditions that define air travel. The memory of this air disaster serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks, even as aviation safety standards have continually evolved and improved over the decades.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mohawk Airlines Flight 405

What was Mohawk Airlines Flight 405?

It was a domestic scheduled passenger flight operated by Mohawk Airlines that tragically crashed on March 3, 1972, near Albany, New York.

Where did Mohawk Flight 405 crash?

The aircraft crashed into a house within the city limits of Albany, New York, during its final approach to Albany County Airport (now Albany International Airport).

When did the Mohawk Airlines Flight 405 incident occur?

The crash took place on March 3, 1972.

How many fatalities resulted from the crash?

The accident resulted in the deaths of 17 people.

What type of aircraft was involved in the 1972 Albany plane crash?

The flight was operated by a Fairchild Hiller FH-227 twin-engine turboprop airliner, registered as N7818M.

What was the intended destination of Flight 405?

The flight was headed for Albany County Airport, which is located in the suburban Town of Colonie, approximately four miles north of the actual crash site.