Page:Aviation Accident Report, American Export Airlines Flight 71.pdf/5

- 4 - reaching an altitude of about 10 feet, it settled back on the water with a light skip, and took off again at a nose-high angle of about 30°. After reaching an altitude of approximately 35 feet, the plane leveled off, then gradually nosed down, becoming so nose-heavy that according to the captain he could not check its further downward path. It crashed into the water at an angle variously estimated to have been between 15° and 45°. The surviving passengers and crew were picked up by the R.C.A.F. station launch, and two small power boats, which arrived at the scene of the accident a few minutes later.

Due to the prevailing confusion, it is difficult, if not impossible to get from the testimony of the witnesses a very definite visualization of the wreckage as it appeared immediately following the impact. It is known that the forward portion of the hull was demolished by the impact. The remaining portion broke in two at a point just aft of the rear wing spar and settled into the water in a nearly horizontal position. The wing, with engines attached, assumed a nearly vertical position with relation to the wing chord-line axis. What was left of the hull forward of this break remained attached to the wing section and all remained partially afloat for some time after the accident.

Recovery and Salvage of the Wreckage

The accident occurred approximately 1 mile north of Killick Island, in water about 180 feet in depth. Rescue work was carried out at this point, following which an immediate attempt was made to tow the wreckage to shore.