Page:CAB Aircraft Accident Report, Panagra Flight 9.pdf/14

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company procedure calls for a normal course of 270° until the coast is reached. This latter course is over lower and less hazardous terrain and it is a phenomenon of this region that clear weather always prevails over the coastal area at this time of year. Although this company procedure had not been set up in writing for the guidance of its pilots, there is evidence which indicates that Captain Gardner was aware of this procedure. If he had any reason for departing from the normal procedure, there is no evidence that he reported it.

It is also evident that absence of adequate dispatch control of flights was a contributing factor.

 

PROBABLE CAUSE:	Action of the pilot in continuing the flight on instruments in the overcast, contrary to company flight procedure of which, according to the evidence, the pilot was aware.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS:	Absence of adequate flight dispatch control by the company. Failure of the company to inaugurate and maintain written flight and operating procedures in such a form as to be constantly available for the guidance of pilots and dispatchers.

 

APPROVED:

/s/ L. Welch Pogue
L. Welch Pogue

/s/ Edward Warner
Edward Warner

/s/ Harllee Branch
Harllee Branch

/s/ Oswald Ryan
Oswald Ryan

/s/ Josh Lee
Josh Lee