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The records show that the St. Louis radio range was monitored continously by the Civil Aeronautics Communications Station at St. Louis, and hourly by the Communications Stations at New Florence, Missouri; Rolla, Missouri; and Effingham, Illinois. There was no evidence from any source that the St. Louis radio range was not operating normally.
An investigation of all weather services involved disclosed that the forecasts and other weather advices made available to the pilot prior to departure were substantially accurate. The official observational facilities maintained at St. Louis functioned in an entirely normal manner throughout the flight. The observer on duty conformed at all times with the approve; practices and carried out his duties adequately.
Conduct of the Flight
The dispatching of the flight from Kansas City was in accordance with proper procedure. Captain Scott discussed the weather conditions with the company flight superintendent and meteorologist prior to departure from Kansas City and was at the time of departure cognizant of the fact that both the ceiling and the visibility in the vicinity of St. Louis Were expected to lower. It is to be noted that the ceiling at St. Louis at this time was 800 feet, visibility three miles, with scattered clouds at 500 feet. That the ceiling and the visibility at St. Louis were actually lowering was brought to Captain Scott's attention by broadcasts which he received during the flight. At 3:42 a.m. when he received a weather broadcast over
