We never let anyone go away mad when we say goodbye, Carol said. All 81 occupants of the plane were killed. You have permission to edit this article. The crew requested and received permission to use two minute legs in the holding pattern. These records revealed no history of fuel leaks, lightning strikes, or static discharges. 1 main tank and fire damage to parts after thereof, including the still attached inner ends of the outer panel rear spar and outboard aileron, are quite apparent. By definition, lightning is always present in thunderstorms. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. [21], Within days, investigators reported that the crash had apparently been caused by an explosion that had blown off one of the wing tips. His sister, Carol, keeps flying, too. The test did not reveal any fuel discharge, but some evidence showed that fuel had entered the vent system, collected in the surge tanks, and returned to the tanks. He worked long hours and rarely took a vacation, especially without his wife. Thanks Edwin. [25], On March 3, 1965, the CAB released its final accident report. Twenty-three witnesses observed an explosion in connection with the aircraft in flight after fire was observed. Four rivet heads and small areas of metal adjacent to the rivets were burned off the top surface near the trailing edge of the wing tip. Decades later, the memories are still fresh for Elkton residents, although many who witnessed that night are now gone, and family and friends are still trying to find closure. Flying to Puerto Rico meant several days at home before several days away. The detached engine fell into a field on a farm southwest of Paris, where the flight had originated, with no injuries. Pan Am started operations in 1927 with passenger and mail flights between Key West, Florida, and Havana, Cuba. The aircraft with 73 passengers and a crew of eight was on an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearance. The readings ranged from light to moderate with occasional areas of heavy magnetism. When his son was born, the last addition to the three Knuth girls, he decided to take shorter trips. As a child my grandparents lived in Rising Sun and my moms uncle Charlie Ritchie owned Ritchie Motors. These limits vary according to the temperature and pressure. Seventy-two of these witnesses saw lightning and seven stated they saw the lightning strike the aircraft. This horrible incident changed my whole life from this day forward. Measurement of the jackscrews indicated the left wing flaps were up. Most Americans were awakened to the reality of terrorism on September 11, 2001, but more than a decade earlier, a few days before Christmas in 1988, Pan Am Flight 103, bound to New York from. I certainly cant imagine anything worse, Scott said. There was evidence that fuel entered the vent system, collected in the surge tanks, and returned to the proper fuel tanks. He provided the captain with copies of the 1900 east coast weather sequence reports. The two occupants of the Cessna were killed, but Captain Knuth was able to land safely with no injuries to his crew or passengers. However, there were two distinct wreckage paths and three concentrations in this area. Because of high winds in the area, the crew chose to wait in a holding pattern with five other airplanes rather than attempt to land in Philadelphia. Continuing easterly the path, except for a concentration of five pieces of wreckage about 4,500 feet east-northeast of the crater, did not exceed 1,000 feet in width within 11,000 feet of the crater, at which point its track was about 255 degrees. It was several smaller fires. However, the turbulence in the area where N709PA was operating was light to moderate and was not of the strength normally associated with a loss of control or structural failure. I've got five aircraft, have elected to hold until this extreme winds have passed, do you wish to be cleared for an approach or would you like to hold until the squall line passes Philadelphia, over?". [1]:14 Experts had still not concluded that lightning had caused the accident, but they were investigating how lightning could have triggered the explosion. [26], Pan Am conducted a flight test in a Boeing 707 to investigate whether fuel could leak from the tank-venting system during a test flight that attempted to simulate moderate to rough turbulence in flight. The Board determines the probable cause of this accident was lightning-induced ignition of the fuel/air mixture in the No. Application of known lightning protection information as well as specific testing was applied during the design stages. Although much effort was expended, the physical evidence failed to disclose the precise mechanism of ignition which triggered the explosion in the left reserve fuel tank. Seventy-two witnesses indicated that the ball of fire appeared concurrent with or immediately following the lightning stroke. The aircraft was fueled with Type B to a total of 78,000 pounds. The ailerons and spoilers on both sides, except the outer half of the left outboard aileron, exhibited evidence of in-flight fire. A majority of the components of the various systems within N709PA were destroyed. [29] In 1967, the FAA updated airworthiness standards for transport-category airplanes with requirements that fuel systems must be designed to prevent the ignition of fuel vapor within the system by lightning strikes, and published guidance related to that requirement. Of the 140 ground witnesses interviewed, 99 reported sighting an aircraft or flaming object in the sky. This briefing included a discussion of SIGMET No. Thus, to predict in the absence of physical evidence the exact mechanism of ignition in this particular case is not possible. There was molten aluminum alloy splattered on the forward upper surface of the leading edge of the stabilizer which was determined to have been deposited in flight. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. [3][19] U.S. House Representative Samuel S. Stratton of Schenectady, New York, sent a telegram to the FAA urging them to restrict jet operations in turbulent weather, but the FAA responded that it saw no pattern that suggested the need for such restrictions, and Boeing concurred. 896 interchange in Newark, Newark's spring concerts, beer gardens return next week, Residents protest proposal for 130 tiny homes near Robscott Manor, Newark's Hillside Park pond stocked with fish. Immediately thereafter, the aircraft was observed to be on fire. We won't share it with anyone else. The right outboard flap showed heavy fire damage and the bottom skin was burned away. Later examination of the aircraft revealed evidence of lightning damage to the left wing tip an the empennage. They said, Daddy come quick, theres a falling star and I said, Thats no falling star, thats a plane, the Rev. The CAB team was assisted by investigators from the Boeing Company, Pan Am, the Air Line Pilots Association, Pratt & Whitney, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA). [22] Despite the opposition, investigators found multiple lightning strike marks on the left wing tip, and a large area of damage that extended along the rear edge of the wing, leading investigators to conclude that lightning was indeed the cause. Another was due to a bomb, and another due to a failed landing attempt. Outside the armory, Miller, then 35,met a first responder who had been working in the field all night. All pieces from there along this path to about 7,500 feet from the crater were very low in density, consisting of items such as Seat Occupied cards, cabin air conditioning insulation, fragments of thin skinned stringers, etc. Although physical evidence of the means by which ignition occurred was not found, the likelihood of ignition by lightning is not ruled out. When the general alarm went out for all available ambulances, Steward W. Godwin, 56, responded on the North East Volunteer Fire Company unit. [1]:1 Despite one of the most intensive research efforts in its history, the agency could not identify the exact mechanics of the fuel ignition, concluding that lightning had ignited vapors through an as-yet unknown pathway. [5] The wreckage was engulfed in intense fires that burned for more than four hours. The flight was vectored for a visual approach to runway . The group further concluded that additional research into the nature and effect of lightning strikes and electro-static discharges is warranted and that more information is desirable regarding the phenomena of fuel spray, misting, and localized vapor-air mixtures in tanks under actual flight conditions. [12] There was no visible discharge of fuel at any time during the test. It was a moving experience hearing the stories of other family members as they came back to Elkton to meet and share their accounts. Thinking about the incident today, Shaffer questions whether it was easier for him to handle the situation than the older men in the fields, those who likely questioned what would happen to their families if they were killed in a horrific accident. The worst part of the night was the constant realization that is was true, Carol said. The fuel dump valves were determined to be in the "closed" position. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. I am so sorry for your loss, Edwin. There was no evidence of fire damage on the right horizontal stabilizer. They also said that the plane would have had to dive a considerable distance before aerodynamic forces would have caused it to break up and explode, but the aircraft apparently had caught fire close to its cruising altitude of 5,000 feet. The four mens suits on the right had no texture, they were charred to ash and disintegrated at the touch of a finger, read a photo caption published in the Cecil Whig in the days following the crash. A trail of debris from the plane extended as far as 4 miles (6km) from the point of impact. On that night, Dec. 8, 1963, Flight 214, a Pan American Airways Boeing 707, was returning to the U.S. from from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Timenote.info, Biedrba, Abinfoserviss 2011-2020, Terms, Phone: +371 67 842135, E-mail: [emailprotected]. Sherman, then 15, was home with his mother and younger brother in Wynnewood, Pa., when he heard the news of the plane crash over the radio. The largest single indication of lightning damage was an irregular shaped hole about 11/2 inches in diameter. I was a yeoman but that night it didn't matter, that night I was a SP. It was too weird a coincidence. On December 8, 1963, the Boeing 707 serving the flight crashed near Elkton, Maryland, while en route from Baltimore to Philadelphia, after being It was a cold night and snowing. And in Elkton, an unusual winter thunderstorm rattled the small town with pouring rain, wind and flashes of lightning. Share with Us. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 707-321B powered by Pratt & Whitney JT3D-3B engines. In-flight fire damage was noted on the three steel tracks for the inboard flap on the track at the inboard end of the outboard flap, the inner end of the outboard flap, fragments of the spoilers, dump chute components, coverlip doors, and fragments of the fore flaps. Subscribe to this newsletter to have the latest obituaries delivered to your inbox twice weekly. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. The surge tank box[7] was intact except for a 2.2 inch opening along the top extending from spar to spar. These streamers have been found to be in the duration and energy range required to ignite flammable mixtures. Type A is a kerosene type turbine fuel with a flash point of 110-150F. Scott left the scene to report to his job as a mail worker at 5 a.m. on Monday. None of the other eight pieces were more than 165 feet from the corresponding engine. Accelerated studies have recently been completed into these hazards to provide technical data on their probably occurrence and control. Carol Knuth Sakoian is reminded of her father whenever she smells a cigar or hears classical music. [28] The committee agreed to conduct both long-range and short-range studies of the impact of lightning on aircraft fuel systems, and potential measures to defeat such hazards. It wasnt Elvis Presley, but she still has the records. The correlation of time, place and damage cannot be dismissed. As a branch of the stepped leader is approaching the ground, the intensified electric field causes an upward moving streamer to form at a ground projection and advance toward the stepped leader. 1 and 2 main tanks intact; 12,000 pounds of fuel in tanks 1, 2, 3, and 4 main and with the reserve and outer tanks empty; flight conditions simulating moderate to rough air turbulence with skidding two minute turns. Practical means whereby these potential hazards can be eliminated, as demonstrated within the limits of the testing facility, were developed and, in the case of access plates, have already been applied to aircraft in service. Clipper 214 out of control. [18]:22[24] Aviation industry representatives were critical of the order, countering that there was no evidence that the dischargers would have any beneficial effect since they were not designed to handle the effects of lightning. Nearer to and still northeast of the crater there were numerous pieces of still denser wreckage, such as fragments of wing structure surrounding the center section fuel tank, air conditioning packs including the primary heat exchangers, the right horizontal stabilizer, etc. [22] Typically, an airplane is struck by lightning once or twice a year in normal operations. Like other family members of victims, Chris said he was grateful to the people of Elkton for responding to the tragedy. Then she hollered loud and clear over the crackling radio waves: Station 3 you have a plane crash., Elkton Chief Edgar Slaughter was in charge from the scene that night. Chris Knuth, son to the pilot, has found solace in digging through the details of the crash. However, on December 4, 1991 Pan Am stopped flying due to the big financial problems. 3[4] relative to possible thunderstorm activity, and turbulence. It would later be released that the crash happened when lightning ignited a reserve fuel tank, resulting in the left outer wing exploding and loss of control. Some speculation arose that metal fatigue as a result of the aircraft's 1959 incident could be a factor, but the aircraft had undergone four separate maintenance overhauls since the accident without any issues having been detected. [4] The controller told the pilots that the delay would last about 30minutes. [18]:36[28], The aircraft involved in the crash, N709PA, before being delivered to Pan Am, United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge, "Aircraft Accident Report: Pan American World Airways Inc Boeing 707-121, N709PA Near Elkton, Maryland December 8, 1963", "Pan Am system time table, December 1-31, 1963", "81 on Jet Killed in Flaming Crash Near Elkton, MD", "Plane Crew Witnessed, Told About Crash of Jet Airliner", "First Emergency Responder to Arrive on Scene of 1963 Plane Crash Recalls Tragic Night", "81 Killed as Phila.-Bound Jet Crashes in Storm Near Elkton", "50 years later, witnesses, families recall Flight 214 crash", "Key to Crash Mystery Found in Jet Debris", "2 in Tiny Plane Are Killed As It Rips Clipper in Flight", "Eyewitnesses Bear Out Supposition That Airliner Was Hit By Lightning", "Lessons Learned from Civil Aviation Accidents: Pan Am Flight 214 at Elkton, MarylandAccident overview", "Lessons Learned from Civil Aviation Accidents: Pan Am Flight 214 at Elkton, MarylandResulting Safety Initiatives", "Program for Investigation of Aircraft Lightning Protection Measures", Pan Am Flight 214 Accident Report Civil Aeronautics Board, A Pan American promotional film that features Clipper Tradewind (N709PA), A picture of the aircraft involved in the accident, Another photograph of the aircraft involved, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pan_Am_Flight_214&oldid=1134143929, In-flight explosion and break up caused by, This page was last edited on 17 January 2023, at 05:42. [18]:31, Initial theories of the cause of the crash focused on the possibility that the plane had experienced severe turbulence in flight that caused a fuel tank or fuel line to rupture, leading to an in-flight fire from leaking fuel. The Knuth family at the family reunion in Iowa in August of 1963. In the 1960s, traveling by air, although popular, was not without danger. Special from the Cecil Whig. At 7:35 p.m. EST, Flight 214 made an intermediate stop at Friendship . Chris has visited Elkton several times to meet with witnesses and visit the crash site, now marked with a commemorative stone. Even though the aircraft was operating in precipitation at or near the freezing level, icing is not considered a factor. Invalid password or account does not exist. [1]:3 Heavy rain was falling in the holding area, with frequent lightning and gusts of wind up to 50 miles per hour (80km/h). [6] The pilots were able to transmit a final message: "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. On a clear day, Knuth was piloting a Pan Am Constellation Monarch of the Skies when a small private plane collided into its backend 3,500-feet above Long Island. The crew of flight 214 managed to transmit a final message "Mayday, mayday, mayday Clipper 214 out of control here we go" before it crashed near Elkton, Maryland. Special attention was given to the left wing tip and parts of the No. A magnetic strength survey[9] was made of the steel components of the left and right wings, center fuel tank, and the horizontal and vertical tail sections. And for the generation that was alive back at that time, albeit a catastrophic moment, this is one of them, Dixon said. The complete passenger list of Pan Am 103 This should be the (un-)complete list of unfornunate passengers aboard Pan Am 103. Knuth usually piloted international flights around the globe, meaning he was away for weeks at a time. JP-4 advocates countered that the fuel was as safe, or safer than, kerosene, the other fuel used in jets at the time. Pan Am Flight 214 was a scheduled flight of Pan American World Airways from Isla Verde International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Friendship Airport in Baltimore and Philadelphia International Airport. I was just a small boy at the time and never heard about it previously. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Sherman and more than a dozen of his family members are coming this weekend. 1 and 4 main tanks 12,000 pounds of fuel each, 31 percent Type B; center tank, estimated 15.05 gallons residual fuel, 100 percent Type B. [1]:14 The second officer was Paul L. Orringer, age 42, of New Rochelle, New York. The complete left wing tip, with portions of the left outer aileron and spar webs still attached, was found approximately 1.8 miles east-northeast of the main impact area. Communication was established between Flight 214 and New Castle Approach Control, which had no radar. One effort in this regard was a review by the Coordinating Research Council of all available data concerning the relative safety of Type A and Type B jet fuels and mixtures thereof. Steward W. Godwin, shown standing with the ambulance earlier in 1963, collapsed at the scene. He responded Sunday night after hearing the call to come in over the radio while working on a school report about the assassination of President Kennedy. Shortly thereafter, the pilot of another aircraft broadcasted that "Clipper 214 is going down in flames.". Around 11 p.m., she heard the front door open and her mother, Elizabeth, walk to the neighbors house.
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