Portal:Civil Aeronautics Board

“ He stated that his approach was planned to contact the runway north of the flare-marked intersection and thus so avoid possible collision equipment on which flares might have been extinguished by rain. Just before wheel contact was to have been established, gusty wind was encountered and rain reduced the visibility through the windshield to zero. Applying partial power to maintain flying speed, Captain Jeppesen continued flight at 85 miles per hour until restored visibility enabled him to complete the lending. ”

“ When Trip 2 had reached a point about 2 miles northwest of the Denver Airport, First Officer Allan again contacted the tower and in reply to his inquiry he was told that the entire N-S runway was available, that flame pots marked its intersection with the NE-SW runway and that Trip 2 was cleared over Lowry Field. When Trip 2 was west of the field the tower called, asked if the flight was "contact" and received a reply in the affirmative. The tower operator then reported that a moderate rain was falling. At that time the visibility as observed by the crew was over five miles in all directions. ”

“ At the south end of the 7,000-foot N-S runway, Trip 2 was about 60 feet above the ground and its indicated air speed was about 105 miles per hour with flaps one-half down. Captain Jeppesen stated that, although visibility was somewhat restricted by rain on the windshield, he could see for a distance of several miles and could distinctly pick up the runway with the landing lights and that the windshield was therefore not opened. ”