– 6 –
was forecast at scale 6 in occasional thunderstorms, and light to moderate wind shear turbulence above 14,000 feet.
The 0416 New Orleans Radar weather observation showed an area of scattered echoes containing light rain showers, with the closest showers at 260 degrees, 60 miles. The top of detectable moisture was 18,000 feet. The 0210 Moisant special surface weather observation was: Ceiling measured 1,000 feet overcast, visibility 7 miles, wind direction 020 degrees at 12 knots. Unofficial surface wind observations recorded on Lake Pontchartrain at the north and south draw bridges indicated gusty winds from the north and northeast at 24 and 26 knots respectively at the approximate time of the accident. There was no observation of winds aloft at New Orleans because of the overcast condition, however, the official USWB 0516 winds aloft observation at Burrwood, Louisiana, 70 miles southeast of New Orleans indicated
| Altitude | Direction | Velocity |
| 3,000 feet | 290 degrees | 41 knots |
| 4,000 feet | 290 degrees | 48 knots |
| 5,000 feet | 290 degrees | 55 knots |
| 6,000 feet | 280 degrees | 44 knots |
| 7,000 feet | 270 degrees | 24 knots |
| 8,000 feet | 270 degrees | 43 knots |
| 9,000 feet | 270 degrees | 57 knots |
The freezing level at Burrwood was reported to be 12,400 feet.
Two flights departed New Orleans at approximately the same time as Flight 304. The first, a C-46, took off at 0146 and proceeded on a similar departure pattern toward the northeast. This crew reported moderate to severe turbulence from lift-off to 9,000 feet. The airspeed fluctuated 15-20 knots, and heading varied approximately 10 degrees, however, no loss of control was experienced. The second aircraft, a large jet, departed at 0202 and was vectored to the northwest. The captain of this flight observed Flight 304 make a "normal" takeoff and disappear into the overcast at approximately 1,200 feet. He also said that, "We entered the overcast at approximately 1,200 feet and… noticed light to moderate turbulence almost immediately. This condition persisted until we broke out on top at approximately 5,000 feet. At the time we entered the overcast I recall our speed to be approximately 200 knots indicated. We reduced power shortly thereafter and maintained this approximate speed until breaking out on top." The existing turbulence was also confirmed by the readout of the flight recorder tape from this flight.
1.8 Aid to navigation
A Notice to Airmen advised that the VOR position of the New Orleans VORTAC was inoperative from 2259 to 0458. However, maintenance workers reported that the malfunction was in the monitoring system, and the facility was actually operating normally throughout the period.
1.9 Communications
There were no discrepancies in air-ground communications, except the failure
