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The third flight departed Detroit at 1949, and reported they were in the clear at FL 229, but there was light to moderate turbulence. A readout of the flight recorder tape from this aircraft for this period of flight revealed that the turbulence penetration airspeed of 200 knots was maintained, and the acceleration excursions ranged from 0.5 to 1.0-g.
1.8 Aids to Navigation
All radio aids to navigation in the area ware reported to be operating normally at the time of the accident.
1.9 Communications
There were no reported communications difficulties.
1.10 Aerodrome and Ground Facilities
Neither the aerodrome nor ground facilities were involved in the accident.
1.11 Flight Recorders
The aircraft was not required to have a flight recorder and none was installed.
1.12 Wreckage
The aircraft struck the ground in a near vertical dive at a high rate of speed. The crater was eight feet deep in the center and measured 45 feet by 15 feet. The direction of flight was approximately 335 degrees. The impact and associated explosive forces resulted in complete disintegration of the aircraft, With the largest piece being approximately four feet square. The majority of the wreckage throwout was between 245-270 degrees, and carried as far as one-half mile.
