Page:CAB Accident Report, Pan American Flight 161.pdf/8

 speed of the aircraft an the nose-down attitude on its contact with the water caused failure of the hull bottom and its structure, resulting in rapid submersion. Landing of the aircraft on the surface of the water in the attitude indicated, and under the then existing conditions of water surface and weather, was undoubtedly due to the pilot's misjudged his true altitude above the surface prior to contact with the water and his failure to correct the attitude for a normal landing at the proper moment. It is difficult to judge altitude precisely above the surface of very smooth, glassy water. There is a possibility that patches of glassy water existed at the time of the accident inasmuch as light winds prevailed and the landing area was on the lee side of hilly terrain, a condition conducive to smooth water. However, one occupant of the aircraft noted just prior to the landing that the surface was rippled. With the assistance of some rippled water and the row of lights marking the landing area, it should not have been difficult for pilots seasoned in seaplane operations, as were both Goyette and Cramer, to have effected a normal and smooth landing. In view of the fact that the rate of descent and airspeed of the aircraft during approach were not unusual and inasmuch as the accident occurred 1 1/4 mile short of the first light, it is apparent that the approach was began at too great a distance from the leading area. Approach from an altitude of 1,000 feet but at an excessive distance from the landing area would reduce the angle from which the row of lights was viewed by the pilots. The practice of spacing such landing area lights as hereinbefore described is to assist the pilot in gauging more accurately his altitude above the surface and distance from the intended point of landing. Reduction of the angle of view of these lights would tend to merge the individual lights into one elongated light, rendering the pilot's judgment of distance more difficult. When presumably at an altitude of 300 feet, Goyette misjudged the aircraft's position as 1/2 mile from