United Air Lines Flight 823

United Airlines Flight 823 was a scheduled flight from Philadelphia International Airport, Pennsylvania, to Huntsville International Airport, Alabama, with 39 on board. On July 9, 1964, around 18:15 EST, the aircraft, a Vickers Viscount 745D, registration N7405,[2] crashed 2.25 mi (3.62 km) northeast of Parrottsville, Tennessee, after experiencing an uncontrollable fire on board, killing all 39.[1]^: 3 The fire of unknown origin occurred in the passenger cabin.[1]^: 14–15 One passenger abandoned the aircraft through the No.4 escape window prior to impact, but did not survive the free-fall. Among the victims was Durant da Ponte, professor of American literature and assistant dean of the University of Tennessee graduate school.[3]

United Airlines Flight 823

The aircraft involved, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport in 1963
Accident
Date	July 9, 1964 (1964-07-09)
Summary	In-flight fire for reasons unknown, loss of control
Site	Cocke County, near Parrottsville, Tennessee, United States 36°1′36.51″N 83°3′41.19″W
Aircraft
Aircraft type	Vickers Viscount 745D
Operator	United Airlines
Registration	N7405[1]
Flight origin	Philadelphia International Airport
Stopover	Washington-National Airport
Last stopover	Knoxville-McGhee Tyson Airport
Destination	Huntsville International Airport
Occupants	39
Passengers	35
Crew	4
Fatalities	39
Survivors	0

The Aircraft Accident Report published by the Civil Aeronautics Board in June 1966—almost two years after the crash—stated, "The Board is unable to identify the source of fuel, the ignition point of the fire, or the cause of the final maneuver."[1]^: 15 The investigation found the probable cause was "an uncontrollable in-flight fire, of undetermined origin, in the fuselage, which resulted in a loss of control of the aircraft."[1]^: 15

About 33,000 lb of the 40,000-lb (empty weight) airliner were recovered, with much of the missing weight attributable to cabin furnishings that were destroyed by fire. The wreckage was transported to the Naval Laboratory in Washington, DC, where the Vickers was reconstructed by the Civil Aeronautics Board.[4]

The accident triggered an investigation of the Lockheed L-109C flight data recorder, which resulted in modifications of that device and revision of the standards for all recorders. Also addressed were potential problems with the Pyrene Duo Head Model DCD-10 fire-extinguisher system for the underfloor baggage and heater compartments. An Airworthiness Directive was issued. Revisions were made to the Pilot's Manual, Viscount Maintenance and Instruction, and Accessories Manuals.[1]^{: (Attachments 1-2)}

The accident happened next to a farm owned by the family of Miss Mae Trentham, whose family helped the crash's rescue workers with water and food. The airplane had grazed the Trentham property before it crashed; the property became the unofficial headquarters of both rescuers and investigators.[5]