Page:CAB Accident Report, Pennsylvania-Central Airlines Flight 142.pdf/8

 rain squall and that the visibility was from three to four miles. Captain Wright also testified that the wind sock, which is on top of the Airport Administration Building, indicated that the wind was south-southwest and that upon the basis of this observation he selected the northeast-southwest runway, which is 3200 feet long, upon which to make his landing. Although the north-northwest--south-southeast runway was 400 feet longer, he considered that the northeast-southwest runway, in addition to being more near parallel with the wind, had the advantage of having less obstructions on the and from which the approach would be made.

The captain stated that he was approximately three miles north of the airport when he made his final turn for the approach and lined up the airplane with the northeast-southwest runway. During the approach he ordered First Officer Bininger to lower the flaps. The captain testified that at the time the flaps were in full down position the airplane was traveling at an estimated air speed of approximately 110 m.p.h., that they were approximately one mile from the airport, and at an altitude of about 300 feet above the ground. Captain Wright state that the airplane crossed the north boundary of the runway at an altitude of approximately 10 to 15 feet and with an estimated air speed of between 85 and 90 m.p.h. According to the captain's testimony the airplane first made contact with the runway at a point approximately 800 feet from the northeast end of the runway. He further testified that the ship bounced once and again made contact with the runway approximately 1000 feet from the approach end of the runway. Captain Wright stated that after making this contact with the runway he was able to get the tail wheel on the runway almost immediately, within 100 to 200 feet.