Ground observers noticed that at least one sign of "torching" was apparent during the second approach, but that it did not resemble or suggest engine fire. The testimony consistently referred to the bright flare which was momentarily observed during the approach as indicative of a rich mixture.
In view of the possibility of malfunction of the left engine or of engine fire, the engine and its controls were subjected to exhaustive inspection by Board specialists and by other government agencies. Within the investigation conducted, no indication of fire or excessive heat was observed. All engine controls and accessories were in satisfactory condition as far as could be determined and none gave any indication of malfunction or of the presence of fire.
The aircraft and engine performance reports up to and including the last one completed by Capt. S. Cavalier, pilot of the aircraft at the time of the accident, were inspected and all notations indicated that flight operations had been normal prior to the accident. The maintenance checks and overhaul records were also inspected and indicated full compliance with the standards established by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. No irregularities were observed in any of the records pertaining to the aircraft involved.
Review of the weather data available to the flight prior to departure from Philadelphia, revealed the following synoptic situation: a deep low pressure system was centered at the southern extreme of Lake Huron having one well-defined cold front which extended southward through eastern Ohio and western West Virginia, and weak warm front preceding it, which, although included in the Weather Bureau forecast for the period, eventually was dropped from the synoptic charts because of lack of definition. The low center was moving east-north eastward at approximately
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