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Following the collision a period of approximately 2–1/2 minutes elapsed before radio communications were re-established with EA 853. The crew reported the collision and advised of the difficulties they were encountering in maintaining control of the aircraft. The controller monitored the progress of the flight until radar contact was lost. The last position given to the crew was 6 miles northwest of the Carmel VORTAC. EA 853 effected an emergency landing in an open field near Danbury, Connecticut, three miles northeast of the Carmel VORTAC at 1628:15.
Data obtained from computer readouts of three SAGE centers[1] indicated the speed and track of the two aircraft just prior to the estimated time of the collision were as follows:
TW 42 — Ground speed 355 knots; True track 128°
EA 853 — Ground speed 213 knots; True track 252°
Information from the same SAGE centers indicated that the time the tracks of the two aircraft crossed was approximately 1618:43, which was selected to represent the approximate time of the collision.
The volume of traffic operating in the area of the collision was described by the New York ARTCC controller as light to moderate. JFK radar was operating satisfactorily with good target presentation on a radar display free of clutter. No traffic information was given to either crew and none was required since a standard vertical separation minimum of 1,000 feet was being provided. Pilot reports indicated that this separation existed. Radar monitoring service was being provided as the flights progressed toward the Carmel VORTAC.
1.10 Aerodrome and Ground Facilities
A flight check of the Carmel VORTAC and the JFK radar was conducted by the FAA approximately four hours after the accident. The flight inspection report shows satisfactory performance of these two facilities and the communications frequencies of 126.4 and 125.5 mcs. Other aids or equipment in use at the time of the accident were re-certificated by technicians of the FAA. All equipment was certified to be operating satisfactorily.
1.11 Flight Recorder
A Lockheed Air Service model 109C flight recorder, serial number 857, conforming to FAA TSO C-51, was installed in the aft area of the left main landing gear wheelwell of TW 42. The flight recorder case exterior and internal mechanism components did not reveal any evidence of mechanical damage as a result of impact loads or forces to which it may have been subjected. The recorder provides data concerning altitude, airspeed, vertical acceleration, and heading.
A readout was accomplished for that portion of the flight encompassing the last 29 minutes prior to touchdown at JFK and beyond this point covering the landing rollout for approximately one minute. The readout was begun with the
- ↑ Semi-automatic Ground Environment System. The SAGE centers were Detroit, Boston, and New York.
