The confidential preliminary report completed by the CASB on December 12, 1987 has as its principle conclusion, the accumulation of ice on the wings and the fuselage. This added weight would have created enough drag to prevent proper lift-off. This theory is being challenged in many ways by different parties. We will examine two key elements which discount this theory.

One is contained within a status report of the representative of the FBI in Gander, dated December 20, 1985 to the Director of the FBI. It says the following: "At time of takeoff the gross weight of the aircraft, including passengers and cargo, was 333,000 pounds well within allowable limits" (see Exhibit 30) The maximum allowable weight for the DC-8 in question was 35-5,000 pounds. (see Exhibit 35) This is documented in the CASB's own initial investigation report dated December 12, 1985.

Interviews conducted with four members' of the ground crew who were on duty the morning of the accident were all in direct contradiction to the ice build-up theory. According to the article, "all swear the plane was clear of ice before takeoff"

The four men were Ted West, Patrick Fewer, John Stuckless and Craig Grander all employed by Allied Aviation Co. at Gander Airport. They have 93 years experience in searching for ice accumulation and in de-icing aircraft. One of them, John Stuckless said: "I sprayed hundreds. If there was any ice there I would have seen it". Patrick Fewer added: "If there was any ice build-up on the edge, you would see it".