Pan Am Flight 759, a Boeing 727, was on a scheduled flight from New Orleans to San Diego when it encountered severe weather shortly after takeoff from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. During its ascent, the aircraft entered a microburst, a highly dangerous and localized weather phenomenon characterized by a sudden downdraft of air. This caused the plane to lose lift and altitude rapidly, resulting in its tragic descent toward the suburban community of Kenner, Louisiana. On July 9, 1982, approximately four minutes after takeoff, the aircraft crashed into several homes, resulting in destruction and fire upon impact.

All 145 individuals aboard the aircraft, including passengers and crew members, perished in the accident. Additionally, eight residents on the ground lost their lives due to the crash. The response from local emergency services was immediate, but the consequences of the crash were devastating both for the victims' families and the local community. Investigations that followed revealed insights into the limitations of pilot awareness regarding microbursts and turbulence, prompting the aviation industry to take significant steps towards improving safety protocols and training.

The incident underscored the need for better weather forecasting techniques in aviation and highlighted the hazards of microbursts on takeoff and landing. It also led to enhancements in cockpit technology, including the implementation of wind shear detection systems. The crash of Pan Am Flight 759 remains a key learning point in aviation safety, influencing regulations and procedures that prioritize the lives of passengers and crew during flight operations.