Page:CAB Accident Report, Continental Airlines Flight 12.pdf/6

- 6 - from his observation of the aircraft weather radar he thought the thunderstorm cells he saw were dissipating. He did not recall seeing any lightning during the approach or landing.

1.8 Aids to Navigation

The Kansas City Municipal Airport is equipped with an ILS, PAR, and a VOR for use during instrument approaches. The PAR was not used during the approach of Flight 12 because one of the associated radar scopes was being calibrated. Subsequent to the accident a flight check of the operational navigational equipment revealed no discrepancies.

1.9 Communications

The flight was in continuous radio contact with the appropriate air traffic control agencies and company radio. At no time were the remarks of the 0455 weather report pertaining to the thunderstorm activity around the airport transmitted to the crew of CAL 12. Additionally the crew was not advised that the PAR was not being used to monitor their approach or that they would not be provided with radar advisories during their approach.

The Continental Air Lines, Inc., assistant manager of customer service who was on duty at the time of the accident testified that while he was aware of the company requirement for a runway inspection he did not make one. The Company's Operations Manual requires that "Customer Service Manager shall maintain a close watch over conditions of the airport, particularly under conditions outlined below, and shall promptly advise Flight Control in full as follows with reference to conditions." Among the conditions listed is "Water percent (of runway) covered - amount of runway covered heavy precipitation." Furthermore, when heavy snow or precipitation occurs an inspection of the runway shall be arranged before the arrival of company aircraft. The assistant manager of customer services said that Flight Control called him regarding the arrival of Flight 12 and at that time he reported that the rain had increased to “moderate” intensity. While he was talking to Flight Control he saw Flight 12 rolling down the runway and terminated the conversation. He had been on duty approximately 30 minutes at that time. He further testified that prior to that time the rain had been "light."

1.10 Aerodrome and Ground Facilities

Runway 18 at Kansas City Municipal Airport is the principal instrument runway. It is 7,000 feet long, 150 feet wide and has an effective gradient of 0.229. The runway is concrete with a bituminous overlay where the other runways on the airport cross 18-36. (See Attachment No. II.) Approach lights are installed for use but were inoperative during Flight 12's approach and landing. The runway