Page:CAB Accident Report, American Airlines Flight 1.pdf/15

 hatch were analysed for indications of fowl impact. All laboratory tests in this regard were negative.

The radio receiver and transmitting equipment were so damaged by the impact and subsequent fire that nothing of any consequence concerning its condition and original position could be determinded.

As previously stated, the engines and propellers were disassembled and inspected at the Technical Training School, Royal Canadian Air Force, at St. Thomas, Ontario. Although the inspection revealed severe breakage and damage of various parts, it was concluded that all such breakage and damage resulted from impact and subsequent fire. No evidence to indicate malfunctioning of the engines was found. On the contrary, the condition of the propellers, stationary reduction gears, bent crank shafts and impeller drive gears indicated that considerable power was being delivered by both engines at impact.

The master ignition switch assembly was found somewhat protected from the impact and fire. This switch was found in the on position and both individual engine switches were on "both magnetoes".

The fuel tanks were empty and severely damaged. Their appearance definitely indicated that the contents had been catapulted from the interior at impact. Furthermore, the severe damage by fire and intense localized heat around the center section and engines were evidence that considerable fuel had burned.

Four buckles of passengers' seat belts were found. On two of them portions of the belt were held in the latch grips, indicating that the belts were buckled at impact.

There was no evidence to indicate that there had been a structural failure of any component of the aircraft prior to impact. The examination of the wreckage did not reveal any evidence that the aircraft or its controls had been tampered with prior to the accident. No failure of any kind was discovered which could not reasonably be accounted for as a result of the crash or fire.

The operation of Flight 1 from New York City to Buffalo, New York, was normal with the exception of a slight delay at New York and Newark, New Jersey, due to connections. The dispatching of the flight from New York to Buffalo was in accordance with proper procedure. On the basis of current weather reports and forecasts, clearance was properly issued for instrument operations between these points. Required radio reports were made en route and a normal landing was made at Buffalo. The elapsed flying time required for this portion of the route, considering the winds encountered and the cruising speed of the airplane, was consistent with American's schedule, thus indicating that Captain Cooper did not increase engine power in an effort to make up time lost. Had any untoward event occurred on board the airplane while en route to Buffalo, it should have been reported by radio, certainly it would, in ordinary practice, have been reported upon arrival at Buffalo. No such report was made.

Investigation disclosed that the usual routine procedure was followed during the time. Flight 1 was on the ground at Buffalo. In preparing the airplane for the flight to Detroit