by L. W. Pogue, H. Branch, O. Ryan, and E. Warner for the Civil Aeronautics Board

“ The slippery condition of the field prevented effective braking action and a sufficient turn to avoid the boundary fence along the northeast side of the airport. The aircraft struck this fence at a speed of 20 to 30 m.p.h, went through the fence, and continued for a distance of 237 feet across a street and into a yard before coming to rest. Aircraft NC 21788, its brakes, and engines were functioning normally until the aircraft struck the fence. The Detroit City airport has only two runways suitable for air carrier operation, and there are numerous high obstructions in the vicinity. ”

“ The United States Weather Bureau and United's forecasts proved to be accurate within reasonable limits.
Captain Wilson and First Officer Butterfield agreed that the engines, propellers, airplane controls and radio equipment were functioning normally during the entire flight.
The fact that there was an appreciable amount of ice still on the aircraft after landing was substantiated by witnesses. Two westbound pilots landed at Cleveland shortly before the arrival of Trip 12. They told Captain Wilson that they had encountered icing conditions shortly after leaving New York. ”

“ When an airplane takes off with a weight in excess of the designated standard weight, the weight of the airplane must be reduced by gasoline consumption prior to arrival at its next scheduled stop, to the extent necessary to bring it within the standard weight for landing. ”