United Air Lines Flight 227 Crashes in Salt Lake City
November 11th, 1965
November 11th, 1965

How Long Ago?
59 years, 4 months, 4 days ago
Location
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
Links & References
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United Air Lines Flight 227 Crashes in Salt Lake City
United Air Lines Flight 227, a Douglas DC-8, crashed during its landing approach at Salt Lake City International Airport. The flight was arriving from Los Angeles when it struck a levee near the airport. Of the 85 individuals on board, 43 lost their lives, while the remaining 42 survived the incident. This catastrophe drew significant attention to flight safety protocols.
Flight originated from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City.
The aircraft was a Douglas DC-8 commercial jet.
43 fatalities and 42 survivors were reported.
Crashing occurred during landing approach in fog.
What Happened?
United Air Lines Flight 227, operated by a Douglas DC-8 aircraft, was on a scheduled flight from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. On final approach to Salt Lake City International Airport, the aircraft encountered difficulties, leading to its crashing into a levee just short of the runway. The incident occurred in adverse weather conditions, including dwindling visibility due to fog. The investigation later revealed that pilot error and failure to adhere to altitude protocols contributed to the crash.
The plane was carrying 85 people at the time, including passengers and crew. Tragically, 43 individuals perished in the accident, while 42 survived. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with emergency crews responding to the scene. The impact of this incident resonated throughout the aviation industry, leading to renewed scrutiny over pilot training and air traffic control procedures, as well as the need for better communication systems during adverse weather conditions.
As investigations unfolded, findings led to significant changes in regulations and practices within commercial aviation, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Flight 227 is remembered not only for the human tragedy but also for its role in advancing safety measures in air travel.
Why Does it Matter?
The crash of United Air Lines Flight 227 marked a pivotal moment in aviation safety reform. The incident underscored the importance of rigorous pilot training and highlighted the shortcomings in communication protocols. Following the tragedy, the industry implemented tighter guidelines and technological advancements to enhance air traffic control and navigation, shaping the future of commercial aviation safety practices and preventing similar incidents.
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