Page:CAB Accident Report, Northeast Airlines Flight 715.pdf/10

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position at the time of impact with the dike. The flaps were found at the 20- degree extended position at the actident Site with the cockpit flap selector lever in the full "up" position. This 20-degree Elap position would have been attained, subsequent to impact, either through the inadvertent or accidental placement of the selector lever to the "up" pOSition, through the interruption of system pressure when the hydraulic lines were ruptured, or a combination of the two

Therefore, it is believed that there was no change in the flap peeition prior to impact with the dike that would have caused an unexpected loss of altitude or that would have been in any way contributory to this accident.

It was not determined how the selector lever reached the "up" pOSItlan The only logical explanation would be the inadvertent or acc1dental placanent of the lever to that position during the crew's hurried egress from the aircraEL

2‘2 Conclusions

In view of the foregoing, the Board concludes that the aircraft was fIOWn at too low an altitude during the final portion of the landing approach to allow reasonable clearance of the dike.

Probable Cause

The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the failure of the captain properly to plan and execute the final approach.

BY THE CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD:

Isl CHARLES S-EMRPHY Chairman

[5/ ROBERT T. MURPHY Vice Chairman

[5/ G. JOSEPH MINETTI Member

[5/ WHITNEY GILLILLAND Member

/s/ JOHN G. ADAMS Member