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20. Weather was not a causal factor in this accident.
21. The air traffic control handling of this flight was routine.
22. There was no evidence of any distress or inflight difficulties on the recorded transmission from the crew.
23. The aircraft made a continuous descent at an average rate of approximately 2,000 feet per minute from 35,000 feet to impact with the water.
24. The flight was cleared to descend to and maintain 6,000 feet.
25. At the time of the last radio communication w1th approach control, the aircraft had descended through 6,000 feet and was at an altitude of approximately 1,000–2,500 feet m.s.l. This is approximately 500 to 2,000 feet above the water.
26. The impact with the water occurred between 2120 and 2121.
B. Probable Cause
The Board is unable to determine the reason for the aircraft not being leveled off at its assigned altitude of 6,000 feet.
BY THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD
(Signature Omitted)
JOSEPH J O'CONNELL, JR
Chairman
(Signature Omitted)
OSCAR M LAUREL
Member
(Signature Omitted)
JOHN H REED
Member
(Signature Omitted)
LOUIS M THAYER
Member
(Signature Omitted)
FRANCIS H McADAMS
Member
