Eugene L. Vidal for the Bureau of Air Commerce

“ Icing conditions existed at the time and a mechanic called the pilot's attention to a coating of ice then on the wings and landing gear of the plane which in places was one-quarter of an inch thick.
The pilot elected to continue the flight and take-off was accomplished using a major portion of the long runway. As soon as the plane was well off the ground, it was observed to make a flat turn, as though returning to land. When at an altitude of approximately 200 feet and apparently about to assume a glide into the field, the airplane was seen to waver and fall into a spiral descent. ”

“ An air line craft shall carry sufficient fuel and oil to fly 45 minutes in addition to the time required for the flight to the next scheduled stop or refueling station.
" (B) Such 45 minutes of additional fuel and oil shall be above and beyond that required by abnormal wind and weather conditions. This margin is intended to guard against possible extraordinary consumption, mechanical losses, or other unforseen contingencies." ”

“ The Department of Commerce will provide for the inspection of aircraft radio installation and maintenance by especially qualified inspectors, in addition to its present staff of air line and air line maintenance inspectors.
8. The Department of Commerce will again request funds for larger aircraft development work. The new Development Section of the Bureau has made most gratifying progress during the past year in developing safer and easier controlled small planes. ”

“ Last Fall the Bureau increased this requirement by changing the regulations to read that the pilot must have not only adequate reserve for delays enroute, but must have in the tanks sufficient fuel for 45 minutes of flying after landing at his terminal or at a refueling point. ”

“ No evidence was produced which indicated that the established Department of Commerce navigation aids or its personnel were not functioning properly in this area. 2. It is apparent that even with an approved operating system, such as that of the TWA Company, the judgment and decisions of the ground and air personnel, the so-called personal equation, still remains paramount. ”

“ Certain principles are adaptable to the larger air line aircraft for increasing their safety in maneuvering and landing, but the present allotment is insufficient to experiment with larger planes.
9. ”

“ However, company personnel initiated or permitted certain irregularities which were inexcusable, were violations of regulations and automatically will be treated as such. 4. As to reserve fuel, formerly the Department required transport aircraft to carry 35% flight fuel reserve. This was unsatisfactory since a pilot, when flying against a head wind or in circling storms could actually run out of fuel, experience an emergency landing, or even crash, and yet be complying with Department regulations. ”

“ Respectfully submitted,
Eugene L. Vidal,
Director of Air Commerce.
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105) . ”