Page:CAB Accident Report, Continental Can Company plane crash.pdf/1

 File No. 2-0545

ADOPTED: October 11, 1960

A Martin B-260, N 1502, owned and operated by the Continental Can Company, Inc., crashed near Marion, Ohio, July 1, 1959, about 1752. All occupants, company pilots John R. Dunham and Donald Martin and eight company executives, were killed.

The purpose of this flight was to transport the executives from Midway Airport, Chicago, Illinois, to Baltimore, Maryland. Departure from Midway was at 1645.

When the flight was near Marion, Ohio, and shortly after it had traversed an area of pronounced thunderstorm activity, it dived violently and nearly vertically to the ground. Destruction was of such extent that it could not be determined if a structural failure occurred in flight and consequently the probable cause of this aadent could not be established.

Investigation

Pilot Dunham filed an IFR flight plan for the proposed flight as follows. Midway Airport to Baltimore via Peotone, V 144, V 44, estimated departure time 1630 requesting 9,000 feet, proposing 225 knots TAS, with 2:30 hours ETE, and 5:30 hours of fuel on board."

Personnel of the Weather Bureau office at Midway Airport were busy during the afternoon of July 1 and cannot state definitely that they briefed the crew of this particular flight prior to departure However, knowing the normal practices of Continental Can Company crews, they believe that a weather briefing was supplied to this crew. All eastbound briefings that afternoon called attention to the extensiveness and frequency of severe thunderstorm activity expected. Attention was drawn to all pertinent forecasts and flash advisories available. The B-260 Aircraft used on this flight was equipped with weather radar, which was operable as far as can be determined.

N 1502 departed Midway Airport, Chicago, Illinois, at 1644. Tax, takeoff, and climbout, as recalled by tower operators on duty, were routine in all respects. N 1502 was issued a clearance from Midway to the Baltimore Airport via Peotone, V 144, V 44, to maintain 5,000 feet.

USCOMM-DC-27112