distance. It would appear that Captain Shank was unaware of his real position until he reached a point not over 300 feet from the windows at the end of the runway. This is evidenced by the severe use he made of his brakes at that point.
It is reasonable to assume that up to the time the airplane skidded into the windrow, nothing more than a minor landing accident impended. The reason for the application of power in an apparent effort to take off is unexplained. Captain Shank, as a result of long experience with Northwest, was undoubtedly thoroughly familiar with every detail of the terrain in the vicinity of the airport. The nature of the terrain immediately adjoining the end of the runway and the presence of the gully 1350 feet away were such as to practically preclude any possibility of successful take-off from that point.
CONCLUSIONS
Findings
We find, upon all the evidence available to the Board at this time, that the facts relating to the accident involving aircraft NC 21714, which occurred near Miles City Airport, Miles City, Montana, on May 12, 1942, are as follows:
- The accident, which occurred at approximately 11:51 a.m (MWT) to Trip. 1, resulted in fatal injuries to the captain, first officer, and a Northwest pilot, who was deadheading, and minor injuries to one passenger. Nine other passengers and the stewardess escaped injury. The airplane was demolished.
- At the time of the accident Northwest Airlines, Inc. held a currently effective certificate of public convenience and necessity and an air carrier operating certificate authorizing it to conduct the flight.
