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of decoding would require the first officer's full attention. The first witness to arrive at the scene of the accident found a lighted flashlight on the ground near the wreckage. The flashlight bore the initials of the first officer, who may have been using it at the time in order to see to decode the message. However, it was observed that a moderate jar would operate the flashlight switch, so that the fact that the flashlight was burning after the crash occurred cannot be considered conclusive evidence of its condition prior to that time.
We have considered the possibility that the pilot intentionally flew to the east of the correct course preparatory to making a right-hand turn for the landing approach. That possibility seems unlikely. The contral tower operators testified that right-hand turns at the Salt Lake City Airport are made only when permission is requested from and granted by the control tower, and that there was no request for such permission in this instance.
III.
CONCLUSION
Findings
We find, upon all the evidence available to the Board at this time, that the facts relating to accident involving NC 18146, which occurred near Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 1, 1942, are as follows:
- The accident which occurred at approximately 11:00 p.m (MWT) to Trip 4 of United Air Lines Transport Corporation, resulted in fatal injuries to the thirteen adult passengers, one infant and crew of three on board and in destruction of the airplane.
