Page:Aviation Accident Report, United Air Lines Flight 12.pdf/4

Rh time to time. The engines were equipped with constant speed, hydromatic, full-feathering propellers. This model aircraft and its equipment had been approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration for air carrier operation over routes flown by United with 21 passengers and a crew of four. The airplane and its equipment had received the overhauls, periodic inspections, and checks which are provided for in company practice and approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. At the time of departure of Trip 12 from Cleveland, Ohio, the gross weight of the airplane was 24,837 lbs. which was within the authorized limits, and distributed in such a manner that the c. g. was within allowable limits. The gross weight at the time the plane reached LaGuardia Airport was approximately 23,500 lbs.

United's Trip 12 of April 10, 1942, originated at San Francisco, California, with New York, New York, as its destination. Intermediate stops were scheduled for Oakland and Sacramento, California; Reno, Nevada; Salt Lake City, Utah; Denver, Colorado; Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, Illinois; and Cleveland, Ohio. It was scheduled to depart from Cleveland at 2:55 a.m. (EWT) April 11, but departure was delayed until 3:38 a.m., awaiting the arrival and landing of air express shipments.

The flight to Cleveland was reported to have been routine. Some doubt was felt at Cleveland as to weather minimums enroute, but after the cargo delay at this point, further concern was removed because of improved conditions and the trip proceeded to La Guardia Field with weather at New York reported as 600 feet and 8 miles with conditions still improving. After leaving Cleveland, the flight was reported as on top at 11,000 feet in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, descending to 9,000 feet at Allentown, Pennsylvania. At a point between Allentown and Metuchen, New Jersey, a normal descent was started