All of the above statements were made despite reports given earlier in the day by some eyewitnesses who all claimed the aircraft exploded in the air and/or was on fire before the crash:

1. Cecil Mackie -- This truck driver was driving along the Trans-Canada Highway when all of sudden, the aircraft flew right over his truck at less than 100 ft. in altitude. He told reporters; "There was a flame on the bottom (of the plane). It seemed like there was no engine noise. There was just a rumbling noise". (see Exhibit 10) He added at the public inquiry on April 9, 1985: "I saw an orange glow coming from the underside of the plane as it passed over". (see Exhibit 11)

2. Ann Hurley -- A nearby resident. "We were driving to work when we saw this big explosion. . . and it dived down very quick". (see Exhibit 12)

3. Leonard Loughoen -- Another truck driver in a separate truck who also had the aircraft fly directly overhead while driving along the Trans-Canada: "There was a bright glow coming from it. . . kind of from underneath the plane (that lit up the inside of my cab). Then all of a sudden I looked around and there was this big explosion". (see Exhibit 13)

4. John Pittman -- Gander airport manager. When asked by an AP reporter whether or not there had been a fire on board, Pittman answered "yes". (see Exhibit 12)