- 23 -
Conduct of the Flight
While there appears to be no question that the right engine of aircraft NC 13359 failed and that this failure was the only mechanical or structural failure in the aircraft, it does not necessarily follow from this that the accident could not have been avoided despite such failure. It is, therefore, necessary to inquire into the activities of all those who were concerned with the flight before any decision may be reached upon that issue.
It is apparent that Trip 143 was dispatched from Knoxville in accordance with proper procedure. The United States Weather Bureau and PCA forecasts proved to be accurate within reasonable limits and weather conditions along the route remained above the minimums prescribed for contact flight.
PCA maintenance records indicated that the engines of NC 13359 had been maintained in an airworthy condition. In addition, the National Bureau of Standards in its report of the tear-down inspection of the right engine concluded that the engine had been properly maintained and that it was in good mechanical condition.
It is necessary to inquire whether Captain Wright took all steps that he might reasonably be expected to take in order to avert an accident after the right engine of the aircraft had failed. When the failure occurred, Captain Wright was faced with the necessity of making an immediate emergency decision. His decision was to feather the right propeller, apply additional power to the left engine, pass over the secondary high tension line, and
