1950s Salt Lake City Approach Accident: Terrain Impact and Total Loss (NC18146)

What happened

The incident occurred during a nighttime descent to Salt Lake City Airport under conditions of limited visibility caused by marginal weather. As the aircraft proceeded on final approach, the crew failed to detect that the airplane had strayed from the correct flight path. The deviation led to a collision with the slope of hilly terrain located approximately 6 km from the runway threshold. The impact destroyed the airframe completely. All 17 occupants of the aircraft were killed in the accident.

Findings

The Civil Aeronautic Board investigated the event and determined that the primary issue was a navigational error by the crew. At the time of the crash, the aircraft had deviated from its initial track. The investigation noted that the flight had lost contact with air traffic control within ten miles of the airport. Despite reviewing the available record, the board was unable to establish the exact reason for the deviation from the proper course. Consequently, the official finding attributed the accident to a deviation from the proper course for reasons undetermined.