UNITED STATES
                     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                           Washington, D.C. 20549
                                           
                                 FORM 10-Q
                                           



(Mark One)

[XX] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended SEPTEMBER 30, 1996

                                      OR

[  ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                        to 
                               -----------------------   ----------------------

                               -----------------------

For Quarter Ended September 30, 1996                 Commission File No. 0-16511
                                           
                                           
               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
                                           
MASSACHUSETTS                                                   04-2962676
- ----------------------------------------                   --------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                                (IRS Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)


98 NORTH WASHINGTON STREET, BOSTON, MA                             02114
- ----------------------------------------                   --------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code  (617) 854-5800
                                                    ---------------------------


- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Former name, former address and former fiscal year,
                      if changed since last report.)
                                           
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports 
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the 
registrant was required  to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to 
such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  X     No                 
                                                    -----     -----

             APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY
                PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS
                                           
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and 
reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a 
plan confirmed by a court during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 
period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has 
been subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days.  Yes       No 
             -----    -----


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                                      FORM 10-Q
                                           
                                        INDEX
                                           


                                                                            PAGE

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                                                      
    Statement of Financial Position at September 30, 1996             
    and December 31, 1995                                                      3
                                                                      
    Statement of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended       
    September 30, 1996 and 1995                                                4
                                                                      
    Statement of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended                 
    September 30, 1996 and 1995                                                5
                                                                      
    Notes to the Financial Statements                                       6-10
          
          
  ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
          FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                    11-14
          
          
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION

  ITEMS 1-6                                                                   15


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                           STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                       SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995
                                           
                                     (UNAUDITED)
                                           


                                        ASSETS
                                                          1996           1995
                                                               

ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents                           $  442,777     $  530,418
  Rents receivable, net of allowance for doubtful 
   accounts of $97,000 at December 31, 1995                    -         13,711
  Due from Buyer                                         880,062              -
  Accounts receivable--affiliate                       1,956,344          3,717
  Equipment at cost, net of accumulated 
   depreciation of $7,354,059 at December 31, 1995             -      3,256,127
                                                    ------------   ------------
     Total assets                                   $  3,279,183   $  3,803,973
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    ------------   ------------

                         LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

LIABILITIES:
  Notes payable                                             $  -       $  8,904
  Accounts payable                                        79,387              -
  Accrued interest                                             -             27
  Accrued liabilities                                     59,772         42,500
  Accrued liabilities--affiliate                          20,686         19,181
  Deferred rental income                                       -         50,808
  Cash distributions payable to partners               2,800,268        191,099
                                                    ------------   ------------
     Total liabilities                                 2,960,113        312,519
                                                    ------------   ------------
PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT):
  General Partners                                      (218,554)      (186,830)
  Limited Partnership Interests (1,009,014 Units; 
  initial purchase price of $25 each)
                                                         537,624      3,678,284
                                                    ------------   ------------
     Total partners' capital                             319,070      3,491,454
                                                    ------------   ------------
     Total liabilities and partners' capital        $  3,279,183   $  3,803,973
                                                    ------------   ------------
                                                    ------------   ------------


   THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

                                      3



                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                              STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995

                                   (UNAUDITED)



                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED             NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          1996           1995          1996            1995

                                                                                        

INCOME:
  Lease revenue                                        $  470,202     $  242,651     $  861,875     $  734,478
  Interest income                                          13,318          6,244         26,644         21,382
  Gain on sale of equipment                               145,877         93,910        167,406        159,357
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
     Total income                                         629,397        342,805      1,055,925        915,217
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
EXPENSES:
  Depreciation                                             92,172        169,401        358,136        460,895
  Write-down of equipment                                       -              -        500,000              -
  Interest expense                                              -            348            105          1,876
  Equipment management fees--affiliate                     23,510         12,133         43,094         36,724
  Operating expenses--affiliate                           101,917         15,491        144,508         77,649
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
     Total expenses                                       217,599        197,373      1,045,843        577,144
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
NET INCOME                                             $  411,798     $  145,432      $  10,082     $  338,073
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT                   $  0.40        $  0.14        $  0.01        $  0.33
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
CASH DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED PER LIMITED 
PARTNERSHIP UNIT                                          $  2.75        $  0.19        $  3.12        $  0.81
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------
                                                       ----------     ----------    -----------     ----------


    THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                      4


               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995

                                  (UNAUDITED)

                                                        1996          1995
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income                                         $  10,082     $  338,073
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash
   from operating activities-
  Depreciation                                         358,136        460,895
  Write-down of equipment                              500,000              -
  Gain on sale of equipment                           (167,406)      (159,357)
  Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts          (97,000)       (43,000)
  Changes in assets and liabilities-
    Decrease (increase) in-
      Rents receivable                                 110,711        143,112
      Accounts receivable--affiliate                  (320,489)        62,970
    Increase (decrease) in-
      Accounts payable                                  79,387              -
      Accrued interest                                     (27)        (5,474)
      Accrued liabilities                               17,272         (1,750)
      Accrued liabilities--affiliate                     1,505          4,616
      Deferred rental income                           (50,808)        46,122
                                                    ----------     ----------
        Cash from operating activities                 441,363        846,207
                                                    ----------     ----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from equipment sales                         53,197        159,357
                                                    ----------     ----------
        Cash from investing activities                  53,197        159,357
                                                    ----------     ----------
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Principal payments--notes payable                     (8,904)      (227,869)
  Distributions paid                                  (573,297)    (1,146,607)
                                                    ----------     ----------
         Cash used in financing activities            (582,201)    (1,374,476)
                                                    ----------     ----------
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS              (87,641)      (368,912)
                                                    ----------     ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD         530,418        819,430
                                                    ----------     ----------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD            $  442,777     $  450,518
                                                    ----------     ----------
                                                    ----------     ----------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the period for interest              $  132       $  7,350
                                                    ----------     ----------
                                                    ----------     ----------


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  As discussed in Note 1, the Partnership entered into 
  a sale transaction to dispose of its equipment 
  portfolio.  This transaction was closed on September 
  30, 1996.  The Partnership received net sales 
  proceeds of $880,062, which were deposited into an 
  escrow account and transferred to the Partnership on 
  October 3, 1996.  This amount has been reflected as 
  Due from Buyer on the Statement of Financial 
  Position at September 30, 1996.

  As discussed in Notes 1 and 4, the Partnership 
  entered into an additional sale transaction to 
  dispose of its interest in an aircraft leased to 
  Northwest Airlines, Inc.  This transaction was 
  settled on September 30, 1996.  The net sales 
  proceeds of $1,632,138 were deposited into an escrow 
  account and transferred to the Partnership on 
  October 3, 1996.  This amount has been included in 
  Accounts Receivable--Affiliate on the Statement of 
  Financial Position at September 30, 1996.
                                           
  THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                      5


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                          NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                           
                                     (Unaudited)


(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The financial statements presented herein are prepared in conformity 
     with generally accepted accounting principles and the instructions for 
     preparing Form 10-Q under Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X of the Securities 
     and Exchange Commission, and are unaudited.  As such, these financial 
     statements do not include all information and footnote disclosures 
     required under generally accepted accounting principles for complete 
     financial statements, and accordingly, the accompanying financial 
     statements should be read in conjunction with the footnotes presented in 
     the 1995 Annual Report.  Except as disclosed herein, there has been no 
     material change to the information presented in the footnotes to the 
     1995 Annual Report.

     In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal and 
     recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the 
     financial position at September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 and 
     results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended 
     September 30, 1996 and 1995 have been made and are reflected.
     
     On September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold all of its equipment assets, 
     excluding its interest in an aircraft, for $880,062 (see Notes 4 and 5). 
     In October 1996, the Partnership filed Form 8-K, which provided a 
     description of the remarketing process and the terms of sale.  The 
     entire remarketing effort was undertaken jointly by 15 individual 
     equipment leasing programs, consisting of the Partnership and 14 
     affiliated partnerships, each of which individually executed separate 
     purchase and sale agreements with RSL Finance Limited Partnership II 
     (the Buyer) and certain of which entered into a collective purchase and 
     sale agreement with Northwest Airlines, Inc. (NWA), to sell all or a 
     portion of their equipment assets (the Sale Assets).  Certain of these 
     partnerships, including the Partnership sold their collective interest 
     in a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 aircraft (NWA Aircraft) to NWA.  The net 
     consideration for this aircraft was allocated first to remaining lease 
     rental obligations and second to sale proceeds.  The Partnership's 
     proportionate share of this consideration was $1,864,484, including 
     $1,632,138 representing net sale proceeds (see Notes 3 and 4).

     The Managing General Partner anticipates that the Partnership will be 
     dissolved on or before December 31, 1996 in accordance with the 
     Partnership's Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited 
     Partnership.  Prior to December 31, 1996, the Managing General Partner 
     will wind-up the operations of the Partnership and make a liquidating 
     distribution of $2,800,268 to the Partners.  The distribution 
     approximates all of the Partnership's available cash, net of estimated 
     wind-up costs, and a contingency reserve.  In November 1996, the 
     contingency reserve of $325,000 was deposited into a separate account to 
     cover any unforeseen liabilities that may arise in future periods.  At 
     such time as the Managing General Partner considers appropriate, any 
     balance in the reserve account will be distributed to the Partners 
     according to their respective ownership interests in the Partnership at 
     the date of its dissolution (see Note 6). 


                                      6


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                          NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                           
                                     (Continued)


(1)  BASIS OF PRESENTATION (CONTINUED)

     The financial statements presented have been prepared on a going-concern 
     basis through September 30, 1996. Due to the imminent dissolution of the 
     Partnership requiring liquidation and distribution of its net assets, a 
     statement of net assets in liquidation as of September 30, 1996 is 
     presented below.  This statement is prepared based on anticipated 
     liquidating values of assets and liabilities.  Management has determined 
     the liquidating values of amounts receivable based on collectibility of 
     balances prior to any final distribution and termination of the 
     Partnership.  Accrued liabilities have been estimated based on the 
     existing obligations and anticipated fees and costs associated with the 
     sales transactions and the wind-up effort.  Cash distributions to 
     partners, including contingency reserves, may vary depending upon the 
     realization of the amounts estimated by management.  Values estimated by 
     management may be different from actual amounts.

          Assets:
            Cash and cash equivalents               $  442,777
            Due from Buyer                             880,062
            Accounts receivable--affiliate           1,956,344
                                                    ----------

                Total assets                        $3,279,183
                                                    ----------
                                                    ----------

          Liabilities:
            Accounts payable                        $   79,387
            Accrued liabilities                         59,772
            Accrued liabilities--affiliate              20,686
            Cash distributions payable to partners,
            including contingency reserve            3,119,338
                                                    ----------

                Total liabilities                   $3,279,183
                                                    ----------
                                                    ----------

          Net assets                                $        -
                                                    ----------
                                                    ----------

(2)  CASH

     The Partnership invests excess cash with large institutional banks in 
     reverse repurchase agreements with overnight maturities.  The reverse 
     repurchase agreements are secured by U.S. Treasury Bills or interests in 
     U.S. Government securities.  At September 30, 1996, the Partnership had 
     $440,000 invested in reverse repurchase agreements.


                                      7


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                          NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                           
                                     (Continued)


(3)  REVENUE RECOGNITION

     Rents were payable to the Partnership monthly, quarterly or 
     semiannually, and no significant amounts were calculated on factors 
     other than the passage of time.  The leases were accounted for as 
     operating leases and were noncancelable.  Rents received prior to their 
     due dates were deferred.  Lease rentals, representing early termination 
     rents, were recognized as revenue in the period in which they were 
     received.

     As discussed in Note 1, the Partnership realized $232,346 of early 
     termination rents in connection with the sale of the NWA Aircraft.

(4)  EQUIPMENT

     The following is a summary of equipment owned by the Partnership 
     immediately prior to the sale transactions described in Note 1.

                                          LEASE TERM   EQUIPMENT,
              EQUIPMENT TYPE               (MONTHS)     AT COST
 
          Aircraft                          36-108    $ 7,649,166
          Motor vehicles                     12-72      1,012,577
          Trailers/intermodal containers     36-84        760,402
          Locomotives                        57-60        351,854
          Research and test                  17-84        111,349
          Materials handling                  1-84         78,910
          Tractors and heavy duty trucks      1-72         47,152
                                                      -----------

                              Total equipment cost     10,011,410
      
                          Accumulated depreciation     (7,618,587)
                                                      -----------

        Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation    $ 2,392,823
                                                      -----------
                                                      -----------

     As discussed in Note 1, on September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold all 
     of the foregoing equipment for $2,512,200, including $1,632,138 of net 
     sales proceeds related to the NWA Aircraft.


                                      8


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                          NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                           
                                     (Continued)


(5)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     All operating expenses incurred by the Partnership are paid by American 
     Finance Group (AFG) on behalf of the Partnership, and AFG is reimbursed 
     at its actual cost for such expenditures.  Fees and other costs incurred 
     during each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, 
     which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to AFG or its Affiliates, 
     are as follows:

 1996 1995

     Equipment management fees                             $ 43,094  $ 36,724
     Administrative charges                                  21,000    15,750
     Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties   123,508    61,899
                                                           --------  --------
            Total                                          $187,602  $114,373
                                                           --------  --------
                                                           --------  --------

     Administrative charges and reimbursable operating expenses due to third 
     parties in 1996 include all costs anticipated in connection with the 
     Partnership's wind-up and dissolution.

     All rents and proceeds from the sale of equipment, including the sale 
     transaction described in Note 1, are paid directly to either AFG or to a 
     lender.  AFG temporarily deposits collected funds in a separate 
     interest-bearing escrow account prior to remittance to the Partnership.  
     At September 30, 1996, the Partnership was owed $1,956,344 by AFG for 
     such funds and the interest thereon.  The funds were remitted to the 
     Partnership in October 1996.  The sales proceeds due from the Buyer were 
     deposited into the escrow account subsequent to September 30, 1996.

     The remarketing effort described in Note 1 was undertaken jointly by 15 
     individual equipment leasing programs, consisting of the Partnership and 
     14 affiliated partnerships (Other Affected Partnerships).  Collectively, 
     the Partnership and the Other Affected Partnerships offered for sale all 
     or a portion of their equipment assets. Thirteen of the programs, 
     including the Partnership, offered to sell all of their equipment assets 
     and are expected to wind up business operations by December 31, 1996; 
     the remaining two programs, which will continue their business 
     operations beyond December 31, 1996, offered to sell only their interest 
     in assets owned jointly with one or more of the 13 programs anticipating 
     wind-up by December 31, 1996.  Substantially all of the Partnership's 
     equipment assets of material value represented partial ownership 
     interests whereby the Partnership owned less than a 100% interest in the 
     equipment it offered for sale.  The remaining interests in such assets 
     were owned by one or more of the Other Affected Partnerships.  
     Ultimately, the Sale Assets were sold for an aggregate adjusted sale 
     price of approximately $32,997,000, of which the Partnership's 
     proportionate share, net


                                      9


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                           
                          NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
                                           
                                     (Continued)


     
(5)  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

     of associated costs, was determined to be $880,062.  In a separate 
     transaction, the Partnership and certain of the Other Affected 
     Partnerships sold their entire interest in the NWA Aircraft to the 
     lessee and agreed to terminate the lease agreement for total proceeds of 
     $13,200,000, of which the Partnership's proportionate share, net of 
     associated costs, was determined to be $1,864,484, including early 
     termination rents of $232,346.  The Partnership's proportionate share in 
     both transactions is net of certain third-party advisory fees incurred 
     in connection with the equipment sales.

     The Buyer is a limited partnership established to acquire the Sale 
     Assets, excluding the NWA Aircraft, and has no direct affiliation with 
     the Partnership, the Other Affected Partnerships, the General Partners 
     or AFG.  The sole general partner of the Buyer is RSL Holdings, Inc. 
     (RSL).  An affiliate of RSL purchased a significant limited partnership 
     interest in a direct-participation equipment leasing program 
     co-sponsored by AFG in 1992.  AFG acquired this interest in 1993 for 
     cash and assumption of indebtedness.  There have been no other business 
     dealings between the Buyer and AFG and their affiliates.

(6)  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

     On October 10, 1996, the Managing General Partner entered into a Cross 
     Partnership Agreement with the general partners of certain other 
     affiliated partnerships.  Under this agreement, each of the general 
     partners has agreed to set aside a contingency reserve amount for future 
     liabilities and deposit that amount into an account that may be accessed 
     by any of the general partners to fund any and all obligations 
     contemplated under the Cross Partnership Agreement.  Any obligation of 
     the Partnership that is not associated with the sales transactions (see 
     Note 1) will directly reduce the Partnership's reserve amount.  All 
     costs arising as a result of the sales transactions will be allocated 
     against the reserve amount of the Partnership and other affiliated 
     partnerships.  If the reserve amount contributed by the Partnership is 
     reduced below zero, the reserve amounts contributed by the general 
     partners of certain other affiliated partnerships shall be debited on a 
     pro rata basis to cover the deficit.  If the reserve amount contributed 
     by one of the affiliated partnerships is reduced below zero, the reserve 
     amounts of the Partnership and the remaining affiliated partnerships 
     shall be debited on a pro rata basis to cover the deficit.  Upon 
     termination of the contingency reserve account, any monies remaining 
     will be distributed to those partnerships with positive balances.  The 
     Partnership's reserve amount under this agreement was determined to be 
     $325,000 and was deposited in the reserve account in November 1996.

     In connection with the wind-up effort, AFG Leasing Incorporated, the 
     Managing General Partner of the Partnership, was merged with and into 
     AFG Leasing IV Incorporated effective October 17, 1996.  Accordingly, AFG 
     Leasing IV Incorporated became the Managing General Partner of the 
     Partnership commencing October 17, 1996.  AFG Leasing IV Incorporated was 
     established in 1987 and is also the general partner or managing general 
     partner of certain other affiliated partnerships sponsored by AFG.


                                      10


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                   FORM 10-Q

                        PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
          FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 1996 Compared To the Three and 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1995: 

OVERVIEW

The Partnership was organized in 1987 as a direct-participation equipment 
leasing program to acquire a diversified portfolio of capital equipment 
subject to lease agreements with third parties.  The Partnership's stated 
investment objectives and policies contemplated that the Partnership would 
wind-up its operations within approximately seven years of its inception.

On September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold all of its remaining equipment 
assets.  The remarketing effort described in Note 1 was undertaken jointly by 
15 individual equipment leasing programs, consisting of the Partnership and 
14 affiliated partnerships (Other Affected Partnerships).  Collectively, the 
Partnership and the Other Affected Partnerships sold all or a portion of 
their equipment assets (Sale Assets).  Thirteen of the programs, including 
the Partnership, offered to sell all of their equipment assets and are 
expected to wind up business operations by December 31, 1996; the remaining 
two programs, which will continue their business operations beyond December 
31, 1996, sold only their interest in assets owned jointly with one or more 
of the 13 programs anticipating wind-up by December 31, 1996. Substantially 
all of the Partnership's equipment assets of material value represented 
partial ownership interests whereby the Partnership owned less than a 100% 
interest in the equipment it sold.  The remaining interests in such assets 
were owned by one or more of the Other Affected Partnerships.  Ultimately, 
the Sale Assets, excluding the NWA Aircraft,  were sold for an aggregate 
adjusted sale price of approximately $32,997,000, of which the Partnership's 
proportionate share, net of associated costs, was determined to be $880,062.  
In a separate transaction, the Partnership and certain of the Other Affected 
Partnerships sold their entire interest in the NWA Aircraft, to the lessee 
and agreed to terminate the lease agreement for total proceeds of 
$13,200,000, of which the Partnership's proportionate share, net of 
associated costs, was determined to be $1,864,484, including early 
termination rents of $232,346.  The Partnership's proportionate share in both 
transactions is net of certain third-party advisory fees incurred in 
connection with the equipment sales.

The Managing General Partner anticipates that the Partnership will be 
dissolved on or before December 31, 1996 in accordance with the Partnership's 
Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership 
(Partnership Agreement).  Prior to December 31, 1996, the Managing General 
Partner will wind up the operations of the Partnership and make a liquidating 
distribution of $2,800,268 to the Partners.  The distribution approximates 
all of the Partnership's available cash, net of estimated wind-up costs and a 
contingency reserve.  In 


                                      11


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                   FORM 10-Q

                        PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                  (Continued)


OVERVIEW (Continued)

November 1996, the contingency reserve of $325,000, was deposited in a 
separate account to cover any unforeseen liabilities that may arise in future 
periods.  At such time as the Managing General Partner considers appropriate, 
any balance in the reserve account will be distributed to the Partners 
according to their respective ownership interests in the Partnership at the 
date of its dissolution (see Note 6 to the financial statements).

The financial statements presented have been prepared on a going-concern 
basis through September 30, 1996.  Due to the imminent dissolution of the 
Partnership requiring liquidation and distribution of its net assets,    
management has determined the liquidating values of amounts receivable based 
on collectibility of balances prior to any final distribution and termination 
of the Partnership.  Accrued liabilities have been estimated based on the 
existing obligations and anticipated fees and costs associated with the sales 
transactions and the wind-up effort.  Cash distributions to Partners, 
including contingency reserves, may vary depending upon the realization of 
the amounts estimated by management.  Values estimated by management may be 
different from actual amounts.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Partnership 
recognized lease revenue of $470,202 and $861,875, respectively, compared to 
$242,651 and $734,478 for the same periods in 1995.  The increase in lease 
revenue from 1995 to 1996 resulted from the recognition of $232,346 in lease 
revenue related to early termination rents associated with the sale of the 
NWA Aircraft.  This was partially offset by renewal lease term expirations 
and the sale of equipment.  The Partnership also earned interest income from 
temporary investments of rental receipts and equipment sales proceeds in 
short-term instruments.

Prior to the sale of the Partnership's assets, the Partnership's equipment 
portfolio included certain assets in which the Partnership held a 
proportionate ownership interest.  In such cases, the remaining interests 
were owned by AFG or an affiliated equipment leasing program sponsored by 
AFG.  Proportionate equipment ownership enabled the Partnership to further 
diversify its equipment portfolio by participating in the ownership of 
selected assets, thereby reducing the general levels of risk that could 
result from a concentration in any single equipment type, industry or lessee. 
 The Partnership and each affiliate individually reported, in proportion to 
their respective ownership interests, their respective shares of assets, 
liabilities, revenues and expenses associated with the equipment.


                                      12


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                   FORM 10-Q

                        PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                  (Continued)


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

During the three months ended September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold 
equipment in the normal course of business having a net book value of $226 to 
existing lessees and third parties.  These sales resulted in a net gain, for 
financial statement purposes, of $26,500 compared to a net gain of $93,910 on 
equipment which had been fully depreciated for the same period in 1995.  

During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold 
equipment in the normal course of business having a net book value of $5,168 
to existing lessees and third parties.  The sales resulted in a net gain, for 
financial statement purposes, of $48,029 compared to a net gain of $159,357 
on equipment which had been fully depreciated for the same period in 1995.  
In connection with the September 30, 1996 sale transactions discussed above, 
the Partnership realized a net gain of $119,377.

Depreciation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 
was $92,172 and $358,136, respectively, compared to $169,401 and $460,895 for 
the same periods in 1995.  For financial reporting purposes, to the extent 
that an asset was held on primary lease term, the Partnership depreciated the 
difference between (i) the cost of the asset and (ii) the estimated residual 
value of the asset on a straight-line basis over such term.  To the extent 
that equipment was held beyond its primary lease term, the Partnership 
continued to depreciate the remaining net book value of the asset on a 
straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life.

During the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Partnership recorded a 
write-down, representing an impairment in value, pertaining to its interest 
in a Lockheed L-1011 aircraft.  This adjustment was precipitated by 
continuing deterioration in the secondary market for wide-body aircraft of 
this type.  Several air carriers have reduced their commitment to the L-1011, 
and a major domestic air carrier is expected to retire eleven L-1011 aircraft 
from its fleet. Further, it appeared that future demand for this type of 
aircraft would be weak, consisting principally of air cargo or operators of 
passenger charters.  In consideration of such circumstances and in accordance 
with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 121, ACCOUNTING FOR 
THE IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND FOR LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED 
OF, the Partnership reduced the carrying value of its L-1011 aircraft 
interest to its estimated current fair market value.  This resulted in a 
write-down of $500,000, representing $0.49 per limited partnership unit.

Management fees were 5% of lease revenue during each of the periods ended 
September 30, 1996 and 1995.


                                      13


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                   FORM 10-Q

                        PART 1.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

                                  (Continued)


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Operating expenses consisted principally of administrative charges, 
professional service costs, such as audit and legal fees, as well as 
printing, distribution and remarketing expenses.  In certain cases, equipment 
storage or repairs and maintenance costs were incurred in connection with 
equipment being remarketed.  Collectively, operating expenses represented 
21.7% and 16.8% of lease revenue during the three and nine month periods 
ended September 30, 1996, respectively, compared to 6.4% and 10.6% of lease 
revenue for the same periods in 1995.  Operating expenses for the three and 
nine month periods ended September 30, 1996 included all costs anticipated in 
connection with the Partnership's wind-up and dissolution.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES AND DISCUSSION OF CASH FLOWS

The Partnership, by its nature, is a limited-life entity that was established 
for specific purposes described in the preceding "Overview."  As an equipment 
leasing program, the Partnership's principal operating activities have been 
derived from asset rental transactions.  Accordingly, the Partnership's 
principal source of cash from operations has been provided from the 
collection of periodic rents.  These cash inflows were used to satisfy debt 
service obligations associated with leveraged leases and to pay management 
fees and operating costs.  Operating activities generated net cash inflows of 
$441,363 and $846,207 during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and 
1995, respectively.

Cash realized from asset disposal transactions, excluding the sales 
transactions on September 30, 1996, is reported under investing activities on 
the accompanying Statement of Cash Flows.  During the nine months ended 
September 30, 1996 and 1995, the Partnership realized $53,197 and $159,357, 
respectively, in equipment sale proceeds during the normal course of business.

The Partnership obtained long-term financing in connection with certain 
equipment leases.  The repayments of principal related to such indebtedness 
are reported as a component of financing activities.  All of the 
Partnership's outstanding debt obligations were retired in 1996.

On September 30, 1996, the Partnership recorded a receivable in the amount of 
$1,864,484 in connection with the disposal of the NWA Aircraft.  The 
Partnership also recorded a receivable of $880,062 in connection with the 
sale of all of its remaining equipment assets.  These proceeds were deposited 
into an escrow account and transferred to the Partnership on October 3, 1996. 
 In conjunction with this transaction, the Managing General Partner has 
commenced the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership.  The aggregate 
funds from the sale transaction and liquidation will be used to fund existing 
obligations, including costs of the wind-up effort and sale transactions and 
to establish a contingency reserve to cover any unforeseen liabilities.  The 
remaining funds, including any unutilized contingency reserves, will be 
distributed to the partners in accordance with the terms of the Partnership 
Agreement and related agreements.


                                      14


                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                   FORM 10-Q

                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
Response:  None.

Item 2.    Changes in Securities
Response:  None.

Item 3.    Defaults upon Senior Securities
Response:  None.

Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Response:  None.

Item 5.    Other Information
Response:  None.

Item 6(a). Exhibits
Response:  None.

Item 6(b). Reports on Form 8-K
Response:  None.



                                      15


                                SIGNATURE PAGE


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this 
report has been signed below on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity 
and on the date indicated.


               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS III-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
   
   
   By:  AFG Leasing IV Incorporated, a Massachusetts
corporation and the Managing General Partner of the Registrant.


By: /S/ Michael J. Butterfield
    --------------------------
Michael J. Butterfield
Treasurer of AFG Leasing IV Incorporated
(Duly Authorized Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)


Date:  November 19, 1996
       -----------------


By: /S/ Gary M. Romano
    ------------------
Gary M. Romano
Clerk of AFG Leasing IV Incorporated
(Duly Authorized Officer and
Principal Financial Officer)


Date:  November 19, 1996
       -----------------

                                      16