Douglas DC-3 accident at Salt Lake City, United States of America, 1 May 1942 (NC18146)
On May 1, 1942, a Douglas DC-3 (registration NC18146) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Salt Lake City, United States of America during landing or approach. 17 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Navigational error on part of the crew for unknow reasons. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was deviated from its initial track. Civil Aeronautic Board was not able to establish the exact cause of the track deviation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
Navigational error on part of the crew for unknow reasons. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was deviated from its initial track. Civil Aeronautic Board was not able to establish the exact cause of the track deviation. Upon the basis of the foregoing findings and of the entire record available at this time, CAB find that the probable cause of the accident was a deviation from the proper course, for reasons undetermined, after the trip had become off contact within ten miles of the airport.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The descent to Salt Lake City Airport was initiated in limited visibility due to the night and marginal weather conditions. On final approach, the crew failed to realize he deviated from the proper track when the airplane impacted the slope of hilly terrain about 6 km from the runway threshold. The airplane was destroyed and all 17 occupants were killed.
Probable cause (official findings): Navigational error on part of the crew for unknow reasons. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was deviated from its initial track. Civil Aeronautic Board was not able to establish the exact cause of the track deviation. Upon the basis of the foregoing findings and of the entire record available at this time, CAB find that the probable cause of the accident was a deviation from the proper course, for reasons undetermined, after the trip had become off contact within ten miles of the airport.