- 58 -
2.21
2.21.1
Computer simulation of flight KE 007
Since no INS data was recorded on the DFDR, computation of the track of the aircraft was determined using the following information:
a) pressure altitudes, calibrated airspeeds and magnetic headings from the DFDR;
b) elapsed time based on the FDAU clock that controlled the serial digital output to the
DFDR;
c) wind directions and magnitudes based on meteorological data and four air-reports
from KE 007 and one observation at 18:05 hours recorded on the CVR;
d) air temperatures from the four air-reports made by KE 007;
e) magnetic variations based on the International Geomagnetic Reference Field corrected
to the date of the occurrence; and
f) conversion of incremental distances on the earth's surface into changes in latitude and
longitude based on United States Coast and Geodetic Survey tables.
The accuracy of these computations was limited by the nature and quality of some of the information available, and small adjustments were made to the wind velocities, the calibrated airspeeds and the magnetic headings. The adjustments to the winds were within the tolerances of the established windfield, and corrections for airspeed and magnetic heading were -2.0 kt and +2.2°, respectively, which was within the tolerances of the measuring systems. The computed track matched the track of KE 007 as known from the radar records available.
3.
CONCLUSIONS
3.1
3.2
The flight crew was properly certificated and qualified for the flight.
The flight crew were physically fit but extended time zone crossings and the level of utilization of crew flight and duty times had the potential for one or more of the flight crew to experience fatigue and a reduction of situational awareness.
3.3
The aircraft was properly certificated and had been maintained in accordance with approved procedures. The aircraft was serviceable when dispatched from Anchorage.
3.4
There was no indication of an in-flight failure of the navigation systems, the weather radar, the instrumentation or other equipment of the aircraft.
3.5
The adjustment of the departure time for the flight was in accordance with Korean Air Lines' standard practice.