Last Words CVR's/08 Dec 1972

December 8, 1972 Chicago, Illinois United Air Lines, Flight 553 Boeing B-737-222 N9031UThe aircraft crashed while making a non-precision instrument approach to Runway 31L. The accident occurred in a residential area approximately 1.5 miles southeast of the approach end of Runway 31L. Upon reaching minimum descent altitude, the pilot raised the nose of the

aircraft to stop the descent. The stall warning horn sounded and continued to sound until the plane crashed 17 seconds later. The aircraft was destroyed by impact and subsequent fire. Forty-three of 61 aboard killed.

RDO - Radio transmission from accident aircraft

CAM 1 - Voice identified as Captain

CAM 2 - Voice identified as First Officer

CAM 3 - Voice identified as Second officer

? - Unidentifiable voice

CHI APC = Chicago Approach

MTWR = Chicago-Midway Tower


 * - Unintelligible word


 * 1) - Expletive deleted

- Questionable text

9VS = Aero Commander 690, N309VS pilot