Date:	Friday 26 February 1954
Time:	10:32
Type:	Convair CV-240-1
Owner/operator:	Western Air Lines
Registration:	N8407H
MSN:	37
Year of manufacture:	1948
Total airframe hrs:	12145 hours
Engine model:	Pratt & Whitney R-2800-CB16
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 9 / Occupants: 9
Aircraft damage:	Destroyed, written off
Category:	Accident
Location:	31 km ENE of Wright, WY -   United States of America
Phase:	En route
Nature:	Passenger - Scheduled
Departure airport:	Salt Lake City International Airport, UT (SLC/KSLC)
Destination airport:	Rapid City Regional Airport, SD (RAP/KRAP)
Investigating agency:	CAB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
Western Air Lines Flight 34 departed from Salt Lake City (SLC) at 08:50. The Convair proceeded IFR to Rapid City Regional Airport, SD (RAP). The flight reported as being over the Wright intersection at 10:25, at 17,000 feet, estimating Rapid City at 10:50. Weather conditions in the area probably included moderate to heavy icing and moderate to severe turbulence. The Convair suddenly entered a rapid descent and struck the ground at high speed.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "A sudden emergency of undetermined origin under adverse weather conditions resulting in rapid descent and impact with the ground at high speed."

ICAO Accident Digest, Circular 47-AN/42 (59-63)

photo (c) Bill Proctor; Los Angeles International Airport, CA (LAX/KLAX); 1949

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