Page:CAB Accident Report, Continental Airlines Flight 12.pdf/2

 straight in on runway 18. They were advised that the approach lights were inoperative but the runway lights would be turned up to full intensity. The wind was reported to be from 070 degrees at 7 knots.

The crew stated that they saw the runway from a point 1.8 nautical miles from the approach and of the runway. There was light rain and light to moderate turbulence at this point. The windshield wipers were turned on, full flaps were lowered, and the approach continued.

The captain stated that touchdown was within 5 knots of the airspeed specified for their grass weight, and between 1,000 and 1,200 feet past the approach end of the runway. The crew said that heavy rain was noted at that paint, but neither pilot noticed standing water on the runway.

Immediately after a "firm" touchdown, the nose gear touched down. Brakes were then applied, the spoilers were raised, and reverse thrust was applied to 80 percent. After the aircraft rolled approximately 4,000 feet, reverse thrust was increased to 100 percent. The captain stated that the aircraft appeared to be picking up speed rather than slowing down when the brakes were applied. He also said "about 1,000 feet from the end of the runway I thought that if we went as far as the dike, I wanted the wing to take up the initial shock. I used differential power and rudder to bring the right wing into position." The aircraft went off the end of the runway cocked about 30 degrees to the left. at an estimated 140 knots. The right wing struck the blast mound and the aircraft slid up over the mound and came to rest with the nose section in the perimeter road between the blast mound and a river levee. (See Attachment no. 1.)

The accident occurred at 0529 c.s.t. at the Kansas City Municipal Airport, Kansas City, Missouri. Light conditions were described as "gray" in heavy rain under an overcast sky.

1.2 Injuries to Persons

1.3 Damage to Aircraft

The aircraft received substantial damage in the accident.

1.4 Other Damage

A blast fence protecting the ILS localizer antenna building, the antenna building, and its contents were destroyed. The perimeter fence between the blast mound and the perimeter road was damaged.

1.5 Crew Information

Captain Lee R. Zerba, age 44, was hired by Continental Air Lines, Inc.,