reference if orientation is lost. Thus it is likely that some seconds elapsed from the time EAL 663 and PAA 212 passed each other before the EAL captain would become spatially oriented. Consequently, the delay in control pressure application, or application of a great enough magnitude, resulted in the aircraft striking the water before recovery was completed.
2.2 Conclusions
(a) Findings:
1. There is no evidence of any malfunction of the aircraft, its engines, or components.
2. The aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
3. Dispatching was in accordance with company and Federal Aviation Agency regulations.
4. Weather was not a factor in the accident.
5. The crew was properly qualified and they were not incapacitated prior to the crash.
6. The captain was handling the controls of the aircraft.
7. The captain was unable to see PAA 212 during the turn from 090 degrees to 170 degrees.
8. The turn to 170 degrees was toward an area where spatial orientation could be accomplished only by reference to the aircraft instruments.
9. Required radar separation between EAL 663 and PAA 212 existed until the turn to 170 degrees. Upon completion of this turn radar separation ceased to exist. However, at this time the aircraft were separated vertically by approximately 1,000 feet although this was not know by the controller involved.
10. Subsequent to the rollout on the 170-degree heading there was a rapid decrease in range between the two aircraft.
11. Neither sufficient time nor adequate information was available to the EAL captain for him to assess properly the relative attitudes of the two aircraft.
12. The EAL captain had the illusion that a potential collision course existed. As a result of this illusion a descent was initiated.
13. During this descent, PAA 212 executed an evasive maneuver that would appear to negate the action taken by the EAL captain. The only course of action available to EAL 663 at this time was a rapid roll to the right, and/or a pullup. In this circumstance the DC-7 was placed in an unusual attitude, resulting in spatial disorientation of the crew.
