Page:CAB Accident Report, Eastern Air Lines Flight 663.pdf/4

Rh The first officer also stated that PAA 212 was in a level position when the other aircraft went by; that the other aircraft at that time was in a 90-degree bank slightly nosedown; that he saw the mid sections of both wings inboard of the aileron, and the hump of the fuselage; that the separation between the two aircraft was 200 to 300 feet; that he had the definite impression that he heard engine noise; that the other aircraft was four to five miles from PAA 212 when it made the right turn; and that the time after the turn to passing his aircraft was 40 to 50 seconds. The flight engineer aboard PAA 212 testified that when advised of the traffic at 11 o'clock he saw a red beacon which looked like the aircraft was climbing; that he definitely thought the other aircraft was below PAA 212 and that after his first observation he did not again see the traffic. He said the sequence of maneuvers of PAA 212 was a right bank, a roll back out of the bank to a wings level attitude, and the other aircraft went by them. He thought he heard air-craft engine noise as the other aircraft passed but he did not see the other aircraft. PAA 212 reported a near miss at approximately 1827, at which time the radar target associated with EAL 663 was no longer visible on the approach control radar scope. At about this time reports were received by various controllers in both Kennedy Tower and the New York Center from other air crews who had observed an explosion and fire on the water. Based on reports of other air crews in the area, EAL 663 crashed in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 13 nautical miles southeast of the JFK Airport (6.5 miles off Jones Beach, Long Island) at approximately 1826. PAA 212 landed at JFK Airport at approximately 1831 without further incident.

1.2 Injuries to Persons

1.3 Damage to Aircraft

The aircraft was destroyed on impact.

1.4 Other Damage

There was no injury to other persons or damage to other property.

1.5 Crew Information

Captain Frederick R. Carson, age 41, held airline transport pilot certificate No. 444006 and type ratings in L-188, DC-6/7, L-749, DC-3, M202/404, and L-1049C/D aircraft. He was employed by Eastern Air Lines on February 14, 1946, and was upgraded to captain on July 22, 1952. His last proficiency check in DC-7B type aircraft was satisfactorily accomplished on February 3, 1965. His last first-class medical certificate was issued on February 8, 1965, with no waivers.