throttle, and attempted to groundloop the plane to the right in order to avoid the field boundary fence. The plane turned only about 30° and when it started to skid sideways on the wet grass beyond the end of the runway proper, the captain applied right throttle and rudder in order to straighten out the course of the aircraft so as to hit the boundary fence head-on.
There was no indication that malfunctioning of the engines or the controls contributed in any way to the cause of the accident. Although Captain Thrush questioned the brake action, tests of the braking system after the accident showed that it was operating normally. The aircraft was loaded within prescribed limitations and was dispatched in a routine manner. Weather observations by the U. S. Weather Bureau and their communication to the crew were properly handled. Ceiling and visibility at the time of the flight's arrival at Indianapolis were above the limits specified for approach and landing. The wind varied from SSW 13 at 3.00 p.m. to S 5 at 3:09 p.m.
| PROBABLE CAUSE: | Failure of the captain to take account of the runway conditions and land as close as possible to the approach end of the runway |
| CONTRIBUTING FACTOR: | Slippery condition of concrete runway and the grass beyond it, due to rain |
BY THE BOARD
/s/ F. A. Toombs
Acting Secretary
