Controller Reportedly Could Not See The Runway Due To Fog

An audio recording released by the FAA confirms that air traffic controllers at Palo Alto Airport told pilot Doug Bourn he was taking off "at your own risk," as the controller could not see the runway due to thick fog at the airport.

The plane went down shortly after takeoff after striking a power pole and power lines near the end of the runway. It went down in a residential neighborhood, killing the three people on board the airplane. All were employees of Tesla Motors, and were reportedly on their way to a business meeting in southern California.

In the recording, obtained by the San Jose Mercury News, the controller is heard telling Bourn he has obtained a release, and that the departure is at Bourn's own risk. When Bourn says he has not heard that he is cleared for takeoff, the controller explains that he cannot clear the aircraft for departure, and again states that the takeoff is "at your own risk." Bourn is then heard to say "OK, 25 Juliet rolling."

The recording does not seem to suggest any negligence on the parts of either the pilot or the controller.

The recording is part of the NTSB investigation into the accident. "We have specialists reviewing it," said NTSB investigator Joshua Cawthra. "We will review it to see if it is odd or it is normal, and was the controller doing everything he was supposed to do? Could something have been done differently?"

FMI: www.ntsb.gov