Page:CAB Accident Report, Eastern Air Lines Flight 609.pdf/3



Examination of the right gear conclusively showed that the damage to it was the direct result of the inflight contact with the ILS localizer shack and subsequent landing on the damaged gear. All other damage to the aircraft such as to the flaps, right wing and stabilizer surfaces, and propeller blades was the result of the wheel assembly separation and final collapse of the remaining portion of the strut assembly.

It is the Board's analysis and conclusion that Captain Smith misjudged the altitude of the aircraft just prior to a landing which was intended on the first portion of the runway. It is believed that his misconception of altitude was the result of a lack of attention and concentration necessary to produce the most accurate sensory responses required during the phase of flight just before landing.

As corrective measures the Board has recommended that the company periodically re-emphasize to its pilots that the highest degree of concentration is necessary to produce the most accurate sensory responses; also, that it caution its operational personnel against apathy which can occur unconsciously from an ideal and nonstimulating ﬂight environment.

The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the captain's misjudgment of altitude during final approach.

BY THE CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD: