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the load was properly distributed, the center of gravity of the airplane being well within approved limits. At the time of take-off there was a company employee riding in the jump seat in addition to the 21 passengers and crew of three. Under existing regulations this is permissible so long as the approved gross weight of the airplane is not exceeded.
The weather information at the time of take-off did not indicate that unusual weather conditions would be encountered. An overcast condition was reported over a portion of the route but this is not unusual in air carrier operation. The captain and first officer were fully capable, by training and long experience, of flying solely by the use of instruments. Inspection had shown, that the navigation instruments on board were in serviceable condition and monitoring reports showed that the radio ranges along the course to be flown were operating normally. The flight was cleared by the Airway Traffic Control Center in Washington in accordance with applicable regulations. Mild thunderstorms along the course were forecast but such conditions are often encountered in this area during the summer and are not regarded as a reason for cancelling flights. Innumerable trips are made with safety in a perfectly routine manner through thunderstorm areas. Due to the local nature and varied character of thunderstorms, the manner of operating, in such areas is left to the judgment of the captain.
The flights of Pennsylvania Central Airlines were dispatched from Pittsburgh for Washington on the same weather forecast as Trip 19, and although they passed within 10 miles of the scene of the accident within a few minutes of the time it occurred, they encountered no severe weather conditions. In addition, a flight of American Airlines passed 10 miles south of the scene of the accident at 2:10 p.m. and encountered no unusual weather conditions.
