-5-
north approach. A card regarding Thun Field was placed in a cardex file for use by controllers in the RAPCON in assisting aircrews during in-flight emergencies. The RAPCON chief further testified that he was not aware of the FAA Form 29A Airport Facilities Record, which was prepared in October 1962 by the Seattle FAA Airport Engineer.
A Jeppesen Chart aboard the aircraft depicts Thun Field as having a 3,200-foot long hard-surfaced runway with 1,000-foot sod extensions on either end. However, this chart was not referred to by the crew.
The copilot testified that he recalled few details about the crash or the events immediately preceding it. He stated that the flight was normal until the captain initiated the feathering action for the left engine. The copilot does not know what action the captain took to feather the propeller or to control the overspeeding that followed the feathering attempt. The only engine instrument he recalled seeing was the manifold pressure gauge which showed 26 inches of mercury. At the captain's direction the first officer flew the aircraft while the captain attempted to feather the propeller and control the overspeed. The copilot stated that the captain was flying the aircraft during the approach to Thun Field. He remembers nothing about his escape from the aircraft.
The captain testified that he was unable to recall many details regarding this flight. He did, however, recall seeing some items, including a tachometer drop to 1700 r.p.m. and then increase to 3300 r.p.m.; the horizon go by the copilot's window; and a short intense flame coming from the exhaust pipe. He was also able to recall pressing the feathering button with both thumbs and the short flight he made immediately preceding this one. He was not able to recall his preparation for flight 60-16 and, except for the items listed above, has no recollection of any phase of the flight.
The feathering check list used in case of engine failure as prescribed by the Zantop Operations Manual is:
| 1. | Meto Power or Power | (100 oct) as necessary |
| 2. | Propeller | Feather |
| 3. | Mixture | Idle cut off |
| 4. | Gear and Flaps | Up |
| 5. | Firewall Shut off | Full out |
| 6. | Throttle | Closed |
| 7. | Feathered Propeller | Full low RPM |
| 8. | Boost Pump | Off |
| 9. | Blower | Low |
| 10. | Fuel Selector | Off |
| 11. | Ignition | Off |
| 12. | Generator | Off |
Analysis
The weather had no bearing on this accident.
The aircraft was loaded properly and its gross weight and center of gravity were within limits.
No evidence was found of any pre-impact malfunction of the flight control system or aircraft structure.
