re: Pan Am Flight 759 -NOLA 35 yrs ago today

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The damage to the aircraft was so extensive that little could be revealed about the aircraft's condition at the time of the accident. However, investigators were able to determine that the flaps and slats were extended properly. Also, the engine gauges revealed that the engines had all been set to a high EPR at the time of the crash. No evidence of engine malfunction could be found. Recovery of the FDR showed that everything was functioning normally throughout the short flight. The CVR was badly distorted, but with noise filtering, some of the recording was decipherable. After learning of the low-level windshear alert, the McCullers told Pierce to "Let your airspeed build up on takeoff" and suggested they turn off the air conditioning packs for takeoff, allowing them to get a higher EPR from the engines. McCullers also suggested that they turn slightly to the left on takeoff to avoid the worst of the weather.

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Based on the meteorological data, investigators concluded that 759 encountered a microburst, penetrating the centre of it just after rotation where it then encountered a decreasing shear of 48kts as it flew into the backside, encountering downdrafts of around 600feet/minute. Investigators also concluded that, given the limited visual cues available due to the heavy rain, the actions of McCullers and Pierce were as prompt as could be expected. Evidence at the crash site indicated that they had actually stopped the descent and entered a slight climb just prior to hitting trees.

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