Civil Aeronautics Board

“ CAA navigation and landing facilities in this area were given careful investigation. A thorough flight check was given the facilities by a CAA patrol aircraft as soon as possible after the crash; no discrepancies could be found. Maintenance and daily inspection reports indicated normal operation during the time the approach was being made. The pilot of a scheduled flight from Honolulu who landed a few minutes prior to the accident, stated that during his approach the Half Moon Bay Fan Marker, the Belmont Fan Marker, and the ILS system, gave normal aural and visual indications. ”

“ As far as could be determined from an examination of the damaged airframe components, there was no evidence to indicate that the aircraft was not airworthy prior to the crash.
Impact forces were of such magnitude that the four engines were widely separated in the wreckage area. Molten masses of aluminum were evidence of the intense fire after impact. All propeller blades were found and from propeller domes, hubs, and blade positions examined, it was determined that they were set at blade angles between 29 degrees and 37 degrees at impact. ”

“ ARTC shortly thereafter cleared VHBPE as follows: "ATC clears VHBPE to the San Francisco ILS Outer Marker via the Half Moon Bay Fan Marker direct to the San Francisco Outer Marker. Maintain at least 500 feet above all clouds. Contact San Francisco Approach Control after passing Half Moon Bay Fan Marker. Cloud tops reported in the Bay area 1,700 feet." This message was acknowledged and repeated back. The last communication from the flight heard by OFACS was at 0823 when the aircraft reported approximately 60 miles west of the coast. ”