United Flight 173: A Case Study in Aviation Safety
United Flight 173 was a scheduled passenger flight from Denver, Colorado, to Chicago, Illinois, on December 29, 1955. The flight was operated by a Douglas DC-6 aircraft registered as N6324C, with Captain Robert H. Burgess and First Officer Neal E. Rice at the controls.
Background
United Flight 173 was a routine flight that had been operating without incident for several years. On the day of the accident, the aircraft was carrying 51 passengers and five crew members. The weather conditions were clear and there were no known mechanical issues with the aircraft.
The Accident
Shortly after takeoff from Denver, United Flight 173 experienced a sudden and violent loss of control. The aircraft plummeted towards the ground and crashed into a field near Fort Collins, Colorado. All 56 people on board were killed.
Investigation
The investigation into the crash of United Flight 173 was conducted by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). The CAB determined that the probable cause of the accident was a failure of the aircraft's left aileron control cable, which caused the aircraft to roll uncontrollably to the left.
Contributing Factors
The CAB also identified several contributing factors to the accident, including:
- The aircraft's high speed at the time of the control failure
- The lack of a warning system to alert the pilots to the control failure
- The lack of a backup control system to allow the pilots to maintain control of the aircraft in the event of a control failure
Aftermath
The crash of United Flight 173 had a significant impact on the aviation industry. The accident led to the development of new safety regulations, including:
- The installation of warning systems to alert pilots to control failures
- The design of backup control systems to allow pilots to maintain control of the aircraft in the event of a control failure
- The reduction of airspeed allowed for aircraft to have more time to recover from a control failure
The crash of United Flight 173 also led to the development of new training programs for pilots. These programs emphasize the importance of:
- Recognizing and responding to control failures
- Using backup control systems
- Maintaining airspeed
Legacy
The crash of United Flight 173 is a reminder of the importance of aviation safety. The accident led to the development of new safety regulations and training programs that have helped to prevent similar accidents from occurring. The legacy of United Flight 173 is a safer aviation industry that has saved countless lives.
Additional Information
Timeline of Events
-
December 29, 1955: United Flight 173 takes off from Denver, Colorado.
-
Shortly after takeoff: The aircraft experiences a sudden and violent loss of control.
- The aircraft crashes into a field near Fort Collins, Colorado.
- All 56 people on board are killed.
Passenger and Crew Information
Aircraft Information
-
Type: Douglas DC-6
-
Registration: N6324C
-
Age: 5 years
Investigation
-
Conducted by: Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB)
Probable Cause
- Failure of the aircraft's left aileron control cable
Contributing Factors
- High speed at the time of the control failure
- Lack of a warning system
- Lack of a backup control system
Safety Regulations
- Installation of warning systems
- Design of backup control systems
- Reduction of airspeed
Training Programs
- Recognizing and responding to control failures
- Using backup control systems
- Maintaining airspeed
Tables
Passenger and Crew Information
| Category |
Number |
| Passengers |
51 |
| Crew |
5 |
| Total |
56 |
Aircraft Information
| Category |
Value |
| Type |
Douglas DC-6 |
| Registration |
N6324C |
| Age |
5 years |
Safety Regulations
| Regulation |
Description |
| Installation of warning systems |
Alerts pilots to control failures |
| Design of backup control systems |
Allows pilots to maintain control in the event of a control failure |
| Reduction of airspeed |
Gives pilots more time to recover from a control failure |
FAQs
1. What caused the crash of United Flight 173?
A. The failure of the aircraft's left aileron control cable.
2. What were the contributing factors to the accident?
A. High speed, lack of a warning system, and lack of a backup control system.
3. What safety regulations were developed after the accident?
A. Installation of warning systems, design of backup control systems, and reduction of airspeed.
4. What training programs were developed after the accident?
A. Programs that emphasize recognizing and responding to control failures, using backup control systems, and maintaining airspeed.
5. How many people were killed in the accident?
A. 56
6. What type of aircraft was involved in the accident?
A. Douglas DC-6
7. What was the registration number of the aircraft?
A. N6324C
8. How old was the aircraft at the time of the accident?
A. 5 years
Call to Action
The crash of United Flight 173 is a reminder of the importance of aviation safety. We can all play a role in ensuring the safety of air travel by:
- Following all safety instructions
- Being aware of the risks of air travel
- Supporting organizations that work to improve aviation safety
By working together, we can make air travel safer for everyone.
