- 11 -
Examination of the Bomber, revealed that the right wing de-icer boot had been cut just inboard of the landing light. The oil radiator scoop was partly collapsed. Two of the blades of the right propeller were badly scratched. The third blade had severe nicks and a small diamond—shaped piece had been cut out completely. All of the blades appeared to be bent forward slightly. There were slight dents, red paint markings and other damage to the inboard side of the right nacelle, just ahead of the leading edge of the wing. With the possible exception of the right engine, which was not given a teardown inspection, there was little damage done to the Bomber.
Conclusions
The evidence of time record leaves no doubt as is the cause of, or the responsibility for, this accident. The pilot of the Bomber testified with great frankness to the facts, which showed that he diverged from his military reason to fly the Bomber in close proximity to the Airliner for the express purpose of signalling a friend in the copilot's seat of the latter plane. Such conduct was wholly without justification. The investigation discloses no basis for any inference that the pilot in command of the Airliner was aware of the reason for Lieutenant Wilson's conduct or that he sought in any manner to cooperate with Lieutenant Wilson in any plan of reciprocal saluting. Both the pilot and copilot of the Bomber testified that they observed no maneuver of recognition from the Airliner in response to the Bomber's wing-dip salute.
We are driven to the conclusion that this collision resulted from the reckless and irresponsible act of the Bomber pilot and that the captain of the Airliner was without fault.
