NASA Apollo Mission Apollo-1-- Proceedings

Source: This document taken from the Report of Apollo 204 Review Board
NASA Historical Reference Collection, NASA History Office, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC.

Proceedings

January 28, 1967

(1) The Chairman and several Members of the Board assembled at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) at midday, January 28 and met with the Deputy Administrator, Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr.; the Apollo Program Director, Major General Samuel C. Phillips; and other officials from NASA Headquarters, the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) and Kennedy Space Center. These NASA officials provided a quick appraisal of the circumstances surrounding the accident and actions already taken at KSC. This meeting was followed by an initial general session of the Board in the Mission Briefing Room, a secure area used to conduct Board business.

(2) After a general discussion, the meeting was adjourned to permit the Board to visit the scene of the accident at Launch Complex (LC) 34. Upon completion of this inspection, the Board reconvened in general session and initiated detailed procedural planning for conduct of the Review.

January 29, 1967

(1) Colonel Frank Borman briefed the Board on his inspection of the Spacecraft (Command and Service Modules). The purpose of this inspection was to verify the position of circuit breakers, switches, etc. Immediately following the inspection, many photographs were taken of the exterior and interior of the Command Module (C/M) with emphasis on switches and circuit breaker panels.

(2) The Board interviewed Mr. Donald O. Babbit for approximately 45 minutes and Mr. James D. Gleaves for approximately 30 minutes. Both are employees of North American Aviation, Inc. (NAA) and were on level A-8 of LC 34 at the time of the Apollo 204 accident.

(3) The Pyrotechnic Installation Building (PIB) was assigned to the Board to display the debris and Spacecraft (S/C) components after removal from the Launch Complex.

(4) Dr. Thompson, Board Chairman, asked Dr. George E. Mueller, Associate Administrator for Manned Space Flight (who was at KSC), for assistance in obtaining flame propagation experts to assist the Apollo 204 Review Board. Dr. Thompson suggested these experts might be obtained from the following organizations: a. Lewis Research Laboratory, NASA
b. Bureau of Mines
c. Federal Aviation Agency

(5) Dr. Thompson authorized selected personnel from the local press pool to photograph and observe the C/M. Dr. Thompson authorized one still and one motion picture photographer with one writer representative to visit LC 34. They were escorted by Mr. John W. King, Chief, Public Information Office, KSC. Dr. Thompson instructed Mr. Buckley and Mr. King to restrict the press personnel to photography and observation and not allow any questions pertaining to the accident.

(6) Dr. Thompson established an ad hoc committee composed of Mr. John J. Williams, Mr. E. Barton Greer, Mr. Charles Mathews, Mr. John F. Yardley, Mr. George Jeffs and Colonel Charles F. Strang. They were to organize Task panels to accomplish the accident investigation in a systematic manner.

January 30, 1967

(1) Dr. Robert W. Van Dolah, Bureau of Mines, Mr. I. Irving Pinkel, Lewis Research Center, Mr. Thomas G. Horeff, Federal Aviation Agency, joined the Apollo 204 Review Board as Consultants.

(2) Membership on the special ad hoc committee that was established on January 29, 1967 to name recommendations on the types of special Panels was changed to: Colonel Borman, Mr. Jeffs, Mr. Yardly, Mr. Mathews, Dr. Maxime A. Faget and Mr. Williams, Chairman. Dr. Thompson directed that the assessment of tasks will be supported by a statement of work, i.e., "guidelines and basis for understanding. " Mr. Mathews presented an oral outline of the 19 recommended panels and the work objectives of each. A Board Member was assigned to monitor each Panel and to serve as the focal point through which the Panels would report to the Board.

(3) Dr. Thompson designated Colonel Strang to assume the responsibility of managing the assessing of all information and data that will be embodied in the Final Report. Colonel Strang was also assigned to plan the format of the Report.

(4) Lt. Colonel James W. Rawers, Range Safety Division, Analysis Section, presented on oral report on what the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) personnel saw at the time of the accident.

(5) Dr. Thompson announced that Mr. George T. Malley, Chief Counsel at Langley Research Center will serve as Counsel for the Board.

(6) Dr. Faget introduced Mr. Alfred D. Mardel, who presented a briefing on data and sequence-of-events.

January 31, 1967

(1) Dr. Thompson received from Dr. Seamans a "Memorandum for the Apollo 204 Review Board" dated January 28, 1967, which established the Review Board. Dr. Thompson discussed the memorandum at length and made distribution of copies to all Board members.

(2) The Board was advised by Colonel Strang that the accident which occurred in an altitude chamber at Brooks Air Force Base, Texas on January 31, 1967, might be of particular interest to the Board. He presented a short briefing of the circumstances. The Chairman requested Colonel Strang to provide follow-up for the Board.

(3) Lt. Colonel William D. Baxter (AFETR Representative to the Board), advised of existing hazards associated with the spacecraft. These included: high pressure oxygen bottles which may be pressurized to 485 pounds per square inch (psi) and subject to embrittlement; pyrotechnics on the Service Module; the Launch Escape System (LES), which has a 9,000-pound thrust rocket motor. An engineering review was made of these potential hazards and it was agreed that before any work could proceed, these specific items must be removed.

(4) A technical briefing on telemetry data, recorded prior to and during the accident was presented to the Board. These data indicate discrepancies in certain channels. Therefore, without further evaluation, the telemetry data was inconclusive.

(5) In lieu of classifying Review Board Records as confidential, a special cover sheet will be used to comply with the Chairman's instruction that all Apollo 204 Review Board records and material be treated as "Confidential." A supply of these cover sheets was provided.

(6) The Chairman of Panel 4, Disassembly Activities, presented a briefing on the Spacecraft Debris Removal Plan. The Board approved the plan to the point of removing the astronauts' couches.

(7) Panel 19, Safety of Investigation Operations, was formed.

February 1, 1967

(1) The task of removal of the Launch Escape System was delayed until retro rockets and other ordinance devices could be removed from the Saturn Launch Vehicle (SLV) and Spacecraft.

(2) Dr. Van Dolah, Bureau of Mines, replaced Dr. Frank A. Long, Vice President for Research and Advanced Studies, Cornell University, as a Member of the Board, Dr. Long, whose other responsibilities preclude full time service with the Board, will continue to serve as a Consultant. (Dr. Van Dolah was assigned the responsibility of Panel Monitor for the Panel on Origin and Propagation of Fire.)

(3) Dr. Thompson appointed a committee, composed of two Board Members and three consultants, to coordinate Panel activities and bring to the attention of the Board those actions requiring specific approval. This group will be known as the Panel Coordinating Committee and be required to present daily activity reports to the Board. This committee supplanted the ad hoc committee that had planned the organization of the panels. A procedure was established for orderly, controlled (numerically sequenced from 0001) presentation of proposed "Action Items" to the Board for approval prior to implementation of hardware removal, special tests and other Review Board activities.

(4) Proposed Action Items 0001-0007 were presented for consideration by the Board. 0001-0006 were approved, 0007 was deferred.

(5) The Board reviewed the methods used in releasing public statements. Dr. Thompson advised that no public statement will be made until approved by him.

(6) Colonel Strang briefed the Board on a proposed Final Report format. It was necessary that a Report Format be approved at an early date in order that an orderly flow of data from the Panels could be maintained. The proposed Final Report format was a modified version of the one used by the Air Force for accident investigations. The proposal was tentatively accepted.

(7) Colonel Strang requested copies of all witness statements to be provided each Board member as they are developed. This will permit a prompt revise so that additional interviews can be arranged if necessary.

(8) Dr. Thompson announced an Executive Session (Board members) will be held daily at 4:00 p.m.

(9)Dr. Faget presented a status report on work in progress. He outlined the daily reports as follows: a. Activities accomplished on the launch Complex and in other related areas,
b. Items needing Board approval for future activities,
c. Progress analysis and anticipated work.

February 2, 1967

(1) Dr. Seamans attended the General Board Session. He reiterated and emphasized that all news releases would be made through the Board Chairman.

(2) Dr. Thompson announced that Mr. Jeffs has been appointed a Consultant in lieu of Board membership.

(3) Command Module 014 arrived from Downey, California and is in place at the Pyrotechnic Installation Building (PIB), KSC. This Module will be used for training of technicians who will disassemble C/M 012; i.e., Prior to the removal of any component from 012, the technicians will perform similar tasks on 014. In this way, they will become familiar with all actions required to remove any single component. Consequently, little or no damage or disruption will take place during the removal of items from 012 as it is disassembled. As a component is removed, it will be transported from the LC and placed in the PIB. It was agreed that all equipment associated with the accident will also be located in the PIB. This includes Command Module hardware and support equipment. Spacesuits and other associated flight equipment will be placed in a special room within the PIB where strict access control will be maintained.

(4) The most significant event to date was the removal of the Launch Escape System from the Command Module, Thereby removing the greatest potential hazard to disassembly operations. With this task completed, it is estimated that members of the Fire Propagation Panel will enter the Command Module on February 3, 1967. Completion of the launch Escape System removal will also permit extensive photographic coverage of the inside of the Command Module.

(5) Colonel Strang distributed copies of a status report on the recent accident at Brooks Air Force Base for the Board's information. He stated that authority had been received from the Chief of Staff, USAF, for him to maintain direct contact with the Accident investigation Board at Brooks AFB.

(6) Mr. Malley, Counsel for the Board, was requested to prepare a statement to be read to each witness prior to making a statement. It will inform the witness of the Board's precise intention with respect to use of the statement.

(7) Proposed Action items 0008-00024 were presented for consideration and approval by the Board.

(8) The matter of samples for analysis was again brought up and it was decided as a general directive that samples be reserved to provide for testing by two outside or independent agencies. If certain conditions make this impossible, appropriate action should be brought back to the Board for approval.

February 3, 1967

(1) The Chairman announced he had received a telephonic draft of the revised authority from NASA under which the Board is to be conducted. He also explained to the Board that this new authorization grants him, as Chairman, the authority to change the composition of the Board advisory group, to appoint an Acting Chairman and appoint any other positions of the advisory group he deems necessary. Dr. Thompson appointed Colonel Strang to serve as Acting Chairman in the absence of the Chairman.

(2) The Board reviewed the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation film entitled, "Investigation Report, Aircraft Wire Harness Fires, Revision 2." Through telephone conversations with Colonel Strang and Mr. Mally, Mr. Gilley, Lockheed Georgia Company of the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, granted permission for the Board to reproduce the film and copies of the report thereto. Three Panels requested copies of the reports, which were made available.

(3) Dr. Thompson requested a document be written establishing procedure for entry to Command Module 012. Coordination of requirements and priorities will be controlled by the Panel Coordination Committee. Entry to the C/M will be controlled by Colonel Borman or his delegated representative.

(4) A sequence of events display (immediately preceding and following the accident) was prepared from telemetry data and positioned in the Mission Briefing Room. The time span of the display is from 23:30 to 23:33 hours, Greenwich Mean Time (6:30 to 6:33 p.m. EST) on January 27, 1967. Significant information on several spacecraft systems such as communications, instrumentation, electrical power, environmental control, guidance and navigation and stabilization and control is included on the display. It will be updated as additional data are analyzed and will be available for easy reference by Board Members.

(5) Dr. Thompson requested that Board Members have their Panel Chairmen submit work requirements and priorities in writing to the Panel Coordination Committee so a schedule can be developed.

(6) Colonel Borman reported that the Debris Removal Plan, as approved by the Board had progressed satisfactorily. The next phase will involve the use of protective covers (plywood) for the couches so detailed examinations of the C/M interior can be accomplished.

(7) Proposed Action Items 0025-0027 were presented and approved by the Board.

(8) Procedures to further control entry to the Command Module, Launch Complex 34 and the Pyrotechnic Installation Building were approved by the Board.

(9) Dr. Homer Carhart, Chief of Fuels Research, Chemistry Division, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C., was assigned to the Fire Propagation Panel.

(10) Dr. Thompson appointed the following as Representatives to the Board: Brig. General C. H. Bolender, USAF and Mr. Charles Mathews, NASA, Washington, D.C.; Dr. Joseph F. Shea and Dr. G. Fred Kelly (M.D.), MSC; Mr. Rocco Perone, KSC; Lt. Colonel William D. Baxter, Air Force Eastern Test Range.

February 4, 1967

(1) Dr. Thompson asked the Board Members to support the Public Information Office (PIO) in obtaining photographs to keep the public informed of activities and progress.

(2) A system was established to ensure that all recommendations and offers of assistance received by NASA, regardless of source, be referred to the Review Board for appropriate action and acknowledgment.

(3) A draft report of the use of internal/external power on the C/M was distributed by Dr. Faget for the Board's information.

(4) Dr. Thompson stated that the list of advisory groups (Representatives, Observers, Liaison, Consultants) is being prepared. The individuals assigned to these advisory groups will be identified within their respective organizations and by position held in that organization.

(5) Dr. Thompson directed Mr. Williams to develop an overall master plan including important milestones and estimated time frames. He called a meeting following today's General Board Session to discuss this with Mr. Williams and some of his committee members.

(6) Mr. Scott Simpkinson, Panel 4 Chairman, presented and distributed the disassembly schedule. He estimated removal of the couches from C/M 012 by 5:00 a.m., and installation of the false floor by 12:00p.m., February 5. This false floor was installed in C/M 014 last night as an exercise prior to having it installed in C/M 012.

(7) Colonel Borman asked for and was permitted release of the impounded flight suits of the backup crew for use in an egress test. The Board will view this test in the Simulator Building, Sunday, February 5 at 10:00 a.m.

February 5, 1967

(1) Members, Consultants and Observers of the Board visited the Spacecraft Simulator. The simulator performs many functions including navigation, earth observation and inflight procedures. At the time of the visit three astronauts were practicing inflight emergency procedures. One of the procedures was donning the space suits. This was carefully timed and required a total of 12 minutes to perform the task. Two astronauts gave a detailed briefing on the composition, function and operation procedures for all components of the space suit. The Board Members also inspected the inside of the simulator which is configured to duplicate the Spacecraft 012 in most areas.

(2) Dr. Thompson, Mr. Greer and Mr. Malley departed for Langley Research Center, Virginia. They are scheduled to return in the late afternoon on February 6, 1967. In accordance with Dr. Thompson's previous instructions, Colonel Strang served as Acting Chairman of the Board.

(3) Representatives of the Board visited Launch Complex 34 and made a very detailed inspection of movable platforms A-7 and A-8 which surrounded the Apollo Spacecraft. During this inspection, the installation of the false floor in the Command Module was observed. Since removal of the astronauts' couches, a false floor was constructed and suspended from the Command Module ceiling and entrance hatch. This will facilitate inspection of the floor of the Module without disturbing any evidence of the fire damage.

February 6, 1967

(1) Colonel Strang, acting for Dr. Thompson, conducted the General Session.

(2) The master plan Milestone Display was distributed and explained by Mr. Williams. The systems integration Panel will prepare a Phase "A" plan today and submit same for Board approval. The Board members were asked to review this Master Plan with their Panel Chairmen and provide comments to Dr. Thompson.

(3) Lt. Colonel Baxter reported the status of the Witness Statements as of 10:30 a.m., February 6. There were 90 statements; the original package distributed on February 2. The first addition on February 3 and the third and fourth addition on February 4 and 6 respectively. The distribution list is amended to include copies for panels 6, 14, 17 and 18.

(4) Mr. Jeffs announced that a team made up of representatives of Air Research and North American Aviation, Inc. arrived at KSC on February 6 to inspect the Command Module and to propose further action relative to the Environmental Control Unit (ECU) and Environmental Control System (ECS).

(5) Reconsideration was requested of action 0007, Medical Data Acquisition Removal, that was presented to the Board on February 1 and deferred at that time. Technicians are now prepared to remove the tape recorder from the C/M and remove tapes for analysis. Action item 0028 was distributed to the Board. Approval was granted for work to proceed on both Items 0007 and 0028, providing that appropriate members of Panels 4 and 5 are present.

(6) Colonel Strang stated that Dr. Thompson had requested that the "Life Sciences" part of the Final Report include an analysis of the escape system and appropriate re-design recommendations. This system falls within the purview of the Ground Emergency Procedures Review Panel 13, the In-flight Fire Emergency Provisions Review Panel 20 and the Design Review Panel 9 in addition to the Medical Analysis Panel 11. Dr. G. Fred Kelly, Chairman of Panel 11, was requested to coordinate and interface the findings of the above Panels.

February 7, 1967

(1) The Board received a detailed preliminary report from Mr. Pinkel, a member of the Fire Propagation Panel. This report described the areas of the Command Module (C/M) which received the greatest fire damage, the most probable fire paths and a description of combustible material in the C/M. He stated the oxygen available in the C/M would permit burning of only 12-15 lbs. of combustible material. Solid combustible materials used in the C/M include plastics in the nylon, polyurethane and silicone rubber class. The liquid coolant ethylene glycol could also become a fuel if it escaped from the closed coolant system. Additional inspections and investigations are required by this Panel to develop conclusive findings.

(2) Request for approval of Action Items 0029 through 0052, approved by the Board at the Executive Sessions held February 6 and 7 were read for the record by Mr. Williams.

(3) A technical team from AiResearch Company and North American Aviation, Inc., under NASA supervision, completed an inspection of the Environment Control Unit in C/M 012, preparatory to developing a removal plan. The plan will be coordinated with the appropriate Panels.

(4) The Board approved the Master Planning Schedule of the Board's activities as submitted by Mr. Williams on February 6, 1967.

(5) The Board approved the procedures for material testing and analysis. These procedures establish specific channels for all agencies involved in testing and analysis. Included in the channel were several check points to ensure the establishment of adequate control.

(6) A new Panel 21, Service Module Disposition, has been formed. This panel will plan and execute the necessary Service Module activities. The Panel will obtain Board approval for the demoting of the Command and Service Modules.

February 8, 1967

(1) The Chairman reviewed and re-emphasized the Board's charter as amplified in a memorandum from Dr. Seamans dated February 3, 1967. In consonance with guidance contained therein, he also defined the relationship of the personnel supporting the Board, i.e., Representatives, Consultants, Liaison, Observers, the Secretariat and Panel Chairmen.

(2) The batteries used for reentry power were removed from the C/M after approval by the Board. There was no indication that these batteries contributed to the mishap.

(3) It was agreed that each system in the C/M would be removed individually, inspected and evaluated. However, each system will be removed only after it is conclusively determined it did not contribute to the source of ignition and is no longer required to evaluate interface with other systems and the Service Module.

(4) As a result of the interest shown by the Apollo 204 Review Board in the film, "Aircraft Harness Fires," Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC) has been requested to conduct research on the phenomena shown in the film. The research will attempt to determine the validity of the wet wire phenomena as related to the type of wire used in the C/M when exposed to a wide range of checkout and mission environments, including 100 percent oxygen.

(5) Proposed Action Items 0053 through 0063 were presented and approved by the Board.

(6) It was brought up by Mr. C. Mathews that fairly heavy activity might take place in the area of testing systems and components as they are moved from the C/M to the plants of prime contractor and vendors. Discussion followed resulting in a requirement for the Board to determine who should accompany this material, i.e., representatives from NASA, NAA, subcontractors and/or an independent representative. An ad hoc committee was called to meet with Mr. Malley at 1:00 p.m. today to prepare recommendations for the Board on this matter.

Febrary 9, 1967

(1) A standardized diagram of various Apollo Commad Module views was distributed for use by Panel members and for reference in the Final Report.

(2) A method for controlled handling of accident material for testing, analysis, etc., was approved by the Board. This applies to tests at both Kennedy Space Center and material sent off-site.

(3) The Chairman of each panel presented a briefing to the Board on Panel accomplishments, future plans and, in a few cases, specific findings.

(4) A detailed report on the initial assessment of structural damage of the Command Module was presented to the Review Board. This report was based upon a visual inspection only. A more complete assessment of structural damage is to be accomplished in conjunction with the removal of each system.

(5) Proposed Action Items 0064 through 0080 were presented and approved by the Board subject to certain clarifications.

February 10, 1967

(1) Dr. Seamans and staff members attended the meetings at the KSC this date. Short presentations were made to them on plans for the Financial Report, fire propagation, photographic control, data integration and medical analysis. These officials also visited the Pyrotechnic Installation Building (PIB) and other areas under the Review Board's jurisdiction.

(2) The Chairman advised that Panel Reports will be signed by Panel Chairmen only. Board Monitors of Panels were requested to assume the responsibility for assuring minority views are given proper consideration. If serious differences are not resolved they are to be included in Panel reports for the Board's consideration.

(3) The Chairman emphasized to the Board Members who are Panel Monitors that copies of all Panel reports should be forwarded to the Panel 18 Integration Analysis for coordination and integration.

(4) A report on the assessment of manning requirements to assure proper implementation of tasks and to meet present schedules was requested of Board Monitors for each Panel. This assessment is due Tuesday morning, February 14.

(5) Following the adjournment of the Board meeting, a film was shown of approximately 10 minutes duration depicting Flammability of Paraffin at Zero G in 100% Oxygen.

(6) Proposed Action Items 0081 and 0084 through 0107 were considered by the Board and approved. Note: Numbers 0082 and 0083 were not used.

February 11 and 12, 1967

(1) No formal meetings of the Board were conducted. Investigations continued on C/M and on debris and components that had been removed to the PIB.

(2) Reviews of work progress were conducted individually by Board Members.

February 13, 1967

(1) A nine-minute film, recently completed at MSC on C/M 008, was shown. This film was the result of a photographic study of what could be seen through the hatch window by a TV monitor, with varying degrees of external and internal lighting. This film will be available for correlation with eyewitness accounts.

(2) Dr. Thompson advised that a meeting of the Board and Deputy Administrator, NASA, has been scheduled for February 22, 1967. The meeting will be primarily concerned with interim reports of the Panels.

(3) Dr. Thompson requested the Office of Manned Space Flight, Marshall Space Flight Center, Kennedy Space Center and Manned Spacecraft Center to provide the Board a detailed description of their responsibilities and organizational relationships and alignment in the Apollo program. This information will be used to perform a review of the Apollo program organization.

(4) Proposed Action Items 0108 through 0112 were considered and approved by the Board.

(5) Dr. Van Dolah was requested to prepare a report by February 15, 1967, on flame propagation, for submission to Dr. Seamans.

(6) A group of specially built tables habe been placed in the main bay of the Pyrotechnic Installation Building. Items removed from C/M 012 are displayed on these tables to permit required inspections without handling.

(7) It was decided by the Board to have special studies of the space suits conducted by the manufacturer and Manned Spacecraft Center's Crew Systems Division. This would enable the Board to obtain expert opinions regarding possible contributing factors to the accident and to gain information regarding future space suit designs.

(8) Dr. Thompson reported that seven people from Marhall Space Flight Center and one person from Langley Research Center had arrived to support various Panels.

February 14, 1967

(1) The Chairman read excerpts from the report of the "Apollo Accident Hearing Before the Committee on Aeronautical and Space Sciences, United States Senate, Nineteenth Congress, February 7, 1967." He emphasized the importance being given this review by that Committee and the responsibility of the Board to respond promptly and completely to the Administrator.

(2) Selected Board Members and Panel Chairmen were instructed to prepare an interim report on actions to date with significant information and tentative findings. The Board will conduct a critique of the material to be presented on February 19, 1967. On February 22, 1967, the interim report will be presented to Dr. Seamans. The content and order of this briefing will be: (a) Board Organization and Investigation Techniques, Colonel Strang; (b) Description and Course of Fire, Mr. Pinkel; (c) Background, Mr. White; (d) Analysis and Tests in Pursuit of Cause, Dr. Faget; (e) Tentative Findings and Preliminary Recommendations, Colonel Borman.

(3) Dr. Van Dolah presented a report on the propagation of fire and tentative findings of Panel 5 for submission to Dr. Seamans.

(4) The removal of systems from the C/M has progressed satisfactorily. As a result, the C/M is scheduled to be removed from the Launch Vehicle on Friday, February 17, 1967. This action coincides with the master Planning Schedule developed by the Review Board on February 7, 1967.

(5) Proposed Action Items 0113 through 0117 were considered and approved by the Board.

February 15, 1967

(1) Dr. Thompson received a letter dated February 10, 1967 from Dr. Seamans. The letter emphasized the importance of the investigation and transmitted copies of four letters from Senator Anderson to the Administrator, NASA, concerning the investigation. In essence, these letters state that the Senate committee expects to be advised on a recurring basis as to the findings of Apollo Review Board.

(2) The Board received a detailed briefing on the recorded anomalies prior to and during the accident. These anomalies were transmitted by the C/M telemetry system to several recording stations. The principal anomalies were:
a. Communication difficulties

b. High flow rate in oxygen system

c. Disruption of alternating current

d. Telemetry readings from a disconnected gas chromatograph connector

e. Change in gimbal angle of the inertial measurement unit which may indicate movement in tne C/M

At the conclusion of this briefing, direction was given to conduct further analyses and testing in an effort to obtain specific conclusions.

(3) A briefing and written report on Astro-Communication Circuits was presented to the Board.

February 16, 1967

(1) The task of removing the Command Module from the Space Vehicle was approved by the Board. Extensive photograph (motion and still) of this task was accomplished for review by the Board and possible release to the press.

(2) Colonel Borman suggested the work schedule be reduced to a 2-shift, 6-day week, rather than the 3-shift, 7-day week, which has been in effect since the accident on January 27, 1967. This suggestion was approved and will be implemented after the C/M is positioned in the binded area of the Pyrotechnic Installation Building (PIB) on February 17, 1967.

(3) Proposed Action Items 0118 through 0144 were considered and approved by the Board.

February 17, 1967

(1) Proposed Action Items 0145 through 0147 were considered and approved by the Board.

(2) The Board met with the Panel Chairmen to review the Panel preliminary reports. These reports will be used as a basis for preparation of the briefing for Dr. Seamans, February, 22, 1967.

(3) Material Release Record Items 0001 through 0056 have been considered and approved by the Board. This system provides a formal and controlled means of releasing for normal program use various hardware, software tools and expandable supplies that were impounded at the time of the accident and have been determined not to be related to the accident.

(4) The Command Module was seperated from the Service Module and moved to the PIB where disassembly and investigation will continue.

February 18, 1967

(1) To clarify the content of the interim report briefing for Dr. Seamans, Colonel Strang presented an outline to the Board for approval. The outline was approved.

(2) In addition to the briefing for Dr. Seamans of February 22, 1967, the interim report briefing will be presented on February 21, 1967 to Dr. Mueller and his staff. Both briefings willbe given at Kennedy Space Center.

(3) Panel summary reports were distributed to Board Members and Panel Chairmen. Dr. Thompson cautioned on the distribution control of these reports.

(4) Proposed Action Items 0148 and 0149 were considered and approved by the Board.

February 19, 1967

(1) The Board met to further develop the briefing for Dr. Seamans. Each speaker made an initial presentation using visual aids. Additions and corrections were discussed.

February 20, 1967

(1) The Board approved a plan for removing the Service Module from the Launch Vehicle. The actual removal was scheduled for February 21, 1967, whereupon the Service Module will be transported to the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building at KSC for detailed examination and testing.

(2) Dr. Thompson directed that a plan be developed to release Launch Complex 34 to Kennedy Space Center for normal use, following removal of the Service Module.

(3) Proposed Action Items 0150 and 0151 were considered and approved by the Board.

(4) Preparations are being made to remove the heat shield from the Command Module so that the floor of the Command Module can be inspected from the lower side.

February 21, 1967

(1) A briefing on the significant information, tentative findings and preliminary recommendations as developed by the Apollo 204 Review Board, was presented to Apollo Program officials by Board Members. The officials attending this briefing included: Dr. George E. Mueller, NASA, Washington, D.C., Dr. Kurt H. Debus, KSC, Dr. Robert R. Gilruth, MSC, Dr. Wernher Von Braun, MSFC, Major General Samuel C. Phillips, USAF, NASA, Washington, D.C., Brig. General C. H. Bolender, USAF, NASA, Washington, D.C., Lt. General Frank A. Bogart, USAF (Ret.), NASA, Washington, D.C., Major General Julian B. Bowman, USAF (Ret.), NASA, Washington, D.C., Mr Christopher C. Kraft, Jr., MSC, Mr. George A. Lowe, MSC. These officials were accompanied by key staff personnel. In addition to the Board, Panel Chairmen and Representatives to the Board were in attendance. The briefing was a preview of that to be given to Dr. Seamans on February 22, 1967. The Apollo Program officials and their staffs were expressly invited by Dr. Thompson.

(2) Proposed Action Items 0152 was considered and approved by the Board.

(3) Material Release Record Items 0057 through 0072 were considered and approved by the Board.

(4) Mr. Ashum Brown, Office of Chief Counsel, KSC, was assigned to assist the Counsel to the Board.

February 22, 1967

(1) The formal briefing on the progress of the Apollo 204 Review Board was presented to Dr. Seamans. This briefing was generally similar to the one given on February 21, 1967 to Apollo Program officials, who were also in attendance on February 22, 1967. Additionally, Dr. Charles A. Berry (M. D.), Dr. Joseph F. Shea, Mr. Donald K. Slayton and Captain Walter H. Schirra, Jr., USN, of MSC; and Mr. David Williamson of Dr. Seamans' staff, attended the briefing.

(2) Dr. Thompson announced to the Board in general session that a survey showed some 1,500 people were directly supporting the investigation. This number, which is considered quite conservative, included 600 personnel from the NASA, Air Force, Navy, Department of the Interior and other Government agencies; and 900 personnel from industry and universities.

(3) Proposed Action Items 0153 through 0157 were considered and approved by the Board.

(4) Material Release Record Items 0073 through 0103 were considered and approved by the Board.

February 23, 1967

(1) The Apollo Program officials, under the chairmanship of Dr. Mueller, briefed Dr. Seamans and the Apollo 204 Review Board. In attendance were those who received the Review Board briefing on February 22, 1967. The briefings included a status report of the Apollo program, special tests being conducted or planned as a result of the accident and proposed actions relative to the tentative findings of the Review Board.

(2) Dr. Thompson, Colonel Borman and Dr. Van Dolah accompanied Dr. Seamans to Washington, D.C., to brief the Honorable James E. Webb, Administrator, NASA on the tentative findings and preliminary recommendations of the Board.

(3) Upon the departure of Dr. Thompson, Colonel Strang assumed the responsibilities of Acting Chairman. A plan was approved to consolidate three Panels into a single Panel. This consolidation of Panels 3, 16 and 18 will permit better utilization of personnel.

(4) The Spacecraft/Lunar Module Adapter (SLA) was removed from the Saturn Launch Vehicle and transported to the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building for investigation.

February 24, 1967

(1) Colonel Strang conducted a special meeting of the Board and Panel Chairmen to ascertain the status of each Panel's final report. He emphasized that the reports should be sufficiently detailed to enable the Board to arrive at sound, appropriate recommendations. He also stressed that findings should apply not only to proximate causes of accident, but to any deficiency that could adversely affect the Apollo Program.

(2) The Board approved the release of Launch Complex 34 through Level 4 to KSC for operations. The Board will continue to control access to Levels 5 through 8, (Material Release Record (MRR) Item 0123). MRR Items 0104 through 0122 were also approved.

(3) Dr. Thompson, Colonel Borman and Dr. Van Dolah met at NASA Headquarters with the Honorable James E. Webb, Administrator, and Dr. Seamans, to present the Apollo 204 Review Board interim findings.

(4) Proposed Action Items 0158 through 0162 were considered and approved by the Board.

February 25, 1967

1. Members of the Board visited the PIB to view the Environmental Control Unit removed from C/M 012.

2. Panel work plans and schedules for accomplishment of tasks and submission of final reports were reviewed by the Board. Dr. Thompson emphasized that Panel Chairmen will not be released from their responsibilities until the Board has formally accepted their respective reports. A memorandum to this effect will be sent to all Panel Chairmen. Specific comment will be included requesting submission of final reports as soon as possible.

3. Following the Executive Session, Dr. Thompson, Colonel Morman, Dr. Faget, Dr. Van Dolah, Mr. Geer and Mr. White departed for their respective parent organizations. They are scheduled to return to KSC on February 28, 1967. During their absence, the panels will continue to perform their investigation functions and Colonel Strang will be Acting Chairman of the Board as previously designated.

February 26, 27, 28, 1967

1. In the absence of Dr. Thompson and other Members of the Board, no formal meetings were conducted.

2. Panels continued to conduct their portions of the investigation. The disassembly of the Command Module and detailed analysis of components was accomplished as scheduled in the master plan. Several panels initiated preperation of their final reports.

3. Proposed Action Item 0163, Service Module Investigation Plan, was approved by Col. Strang, due to its urgency, on February 27, 1967.

4. All members of the Board, with the exception of Dr. Van Dolah, returned to KSC at approximately 6:30 p.m., February 28, 1967.

5. Initial visual inspection and X-ray analysis of the Environmental Control Unit was completed on February 28, 1967. The unit was moved from the PIB to the Life Support Building for disassembly and detailed analysis.

March 1, 1967

1. Dr. Thompson announced to the Board that a memorandum from Dr. Seamans, dated February 27, 1967, had been received designating the Director, Langley Research Center, the Custodian of Apollo 204 Review Board Material.

2. A general discussion was held (in Executive Session) regarding the future activities of the Panels and other Board activities, with the objective of developing assurance that the Board's Final Report will be completed by the end of March. An additional objective was to establish a mode of operation whereby the Board will be able to effect an orderly reduction of its activities at KSC, eventually recess, and finally recommend to the Administrator that the Board be disbanded. Dr. Thompson remarked that certain tests and analyses which were stimulated by the Board's activities may more appropriately be of prime interest and concern to the Apollo Program Office. Such tests and analyses would not be followed in detail by the Board. However, the Board will require reports from the Program Office on the results so that the Final Report Appendix E, may include a statement of the results.

3. Dr. Faget presented a plan for the screening and removing of equipment that is intended to reduce the amount of effort and time required to investigate and analyze equipment from Spacecraft 012. this plan was discussed by the Board and it was agreed that the Panel Coordination Committee establish an ad hoc group to perform the screening as proposed in the plan. The Panel Coordination Committee will report back to the Board on this activity.

4. Dr. Thompson announced that General Sessions would henceforth be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of each week. Executive Sessions would continue on a daily schedule.

5. Proposed Action Items 0158 through 0162 and 0164 through 0167 were considered and approved by the Board. Item 0163 had previously been approved by Col. Strang.

6. Material Release Record Items 0127 through 0137 were considered and approved by the Board. Items 0124 through 0126 had previously been approved for release.

7. Following General Session, the Board viewed a film on fire propagation tests conducted at MSC in a boilerplate mock-up of the Command Module.

March 2, 1967

1. Proposed Action Items 0168 and 0169 were considered and approved by the Board.

2. Material Release Record Items 0138 through 0141 were considered and approved by the Board.

March 3, 1967

1. All material from the Command Module will be retained by the Board and will be designated Category A or B. Items in Category A are those that are damaged, or identified as suspect and/or associated with anomalies. Category B Items are those that appear to be absolved of association with the incident. They (Category B) will be eligible for use by Apollo Program Office for nondestructive testing; however, the Board will require copies of all test reports. An Administrative Procedure will be released on this matter.

2. Col. Borman reported that the disassembly of the Command Module was expected to be complete by March 10, 1967. An around-the-clock work schedule was approved for the removal of the heat shield.

3. The Board met with the Panel Chairmen to discuss final Panel report content and submission schedule. Tests that are not complete, when Panel reports are submitted, will subsequently be incorporated into the Final Board Report.

March 4, 5, 1967

1. Material Release Record Items 0142 through 0144, and 0146, were considered and approved by the Board. Item 0145 was held in abeyance pending furthur action.

2. Board Members reviewed transcripts and other material for inclusion in the Final Report.

March 6, 1967

1. Mr. Mardel, Chairman, Panel 18, reported on an arc indication that was found on the Lower Equipment Bay junction box cover plate. A metallurgical analysis on the cover plate will be accomplished. Investigation will continue in an effort to identify and remove the wire which seems to have caused the arc.

2. Mr. Simpkinson, Chairman, Panel 4, presented a status report on the disassembly plan. Approval was granted by the Board to start removal of the heat shield.

3. Proposed Action Items 0170 through 0177 were considered and approved by the Board.

4. Material Release Record Item 0147 was considered and approved by the Board.

March 7, 1967

1. The aft heat shield was removed from C/M 012 in accordance with the master plan for Disassembly. Close inspection of the C/ M disclosed the rupture in the floor extended approximately 2/3 around its circumference. This is much greater than originally estimated.

2. Material Release Record Items 0148 through 0150 were considered and approved by the Board.

3. The Board viewed a 30 minute film entitled "Apollo Mock-Up Flame Propagation, Test No. 2." The test was conducted in a boilerplate Apollo mock-up at MSC on March 4, 1967. The Board concluded that this was a valid test procedure for assessment of flame propagation, and to qualify materials for use in the spacecraft.

4. A general discussion was held on the subject of subsystem and component design as related to the ability to ensure that such hardware may be installed and subsequently maintained in a manner consistent with established quality control procedures.

March 8, 1967

1. Dr. Faget gave a follow-up report on analysis of the arc indication on the Lower Equipment Bay junction box cover plate. The plate has been delivered to KSC Material Analysis Laboratory. In addition to the analysis of the arc indication, analysis will also be made of molten material found on the bottom of the plate.

2. Col. Strang briefed the Board on a proposed procedure for screening and processing Panel Final Reports. Initial review and editing will be accomplished by Final Board Report Panel 17. After preliminary editing, the reports will be ammended as necessary and distributed to each Board Member and Counsel for review. Panel Chairmen will then meet with the Board for oral review, critique and acceptance of the report, or additional actions as necessary. The procedure was accepted by the Board.

3. A progress report on status of test analysis was presented to the Board. A total of 104 tests have been identified of which 45 have been closed and 59 remain in the open category.

4. Proposed Action Item 0178 was considered by the Board and approved.

March 9, 1967

1. It was announced that the Crew Heat Shield had been removed from the Command Module, and that a total of 891 items have been removed to date.

2. Proposed Action Item 0179 was considered and approved by the Board.

3. Material Release Record Items 0151 through 0154 were considered and approved by the Board.

4. Dr. Faget suggested construction of a simple fixture, in the configuration of the Command Module, upon which the wire harnesses and bundles removed from C/M 012 can be placed for subsequent inspection. The study of this or other approaches to implement a detailed inspection of the harnesses was recommended by Dr. Faget. The Board approved this recommendation.

5. The Board appointed Mr. Robert Bruce, Langley Research Center, as an alternate Board designated agent for the Environmental Control System (ECS) investigation.

March 11, 12, 1967

1. Colonel Strang reported that Panels 2, 12, 13, 16, 19 and 20 have submitted Final Reports. These six reports have been distributed to the Board Members for review.

2. Formal Board sessions were not held on March 11 and 12, 1967. The Board members devoted their time to study of the final reports from six Panels. Disassembly and analysis continued as scheduled.

March 13, 1967

1. Board Members and Panel Members who received copies of witness statements in connection to their responsibilities were requested to return all copies to Panel 12 when the material is no longer needed.

2. A progress report on dismantling the Environmental Control Unit (ECU) was made to the Board by Mr. Williams. He also presented a proposed modification to Action Item 0153, Command Module Equipment Removal Plan. Following discussion by the Board, this modification was approved.

3. Mr. Robert Allnut of NASA Headquarters was introduced to Mr. Malley. Mr. Allnut, with Mr. Ashmun Brown, KSC Legal Staff, will assist Mr. Malley in the legal reviews of the Panel Reports and the Final Board Report.

4. The Board met with the following Panel Chairmen to conduct a critical review of their draft final report: Capt. J. Lovell, Panel 20; N. Vaughn, Panel 12; J. Atkins, panel 19; G. Stoops, Panel 16. Each of the reports was accepted subject to editorial corrections.

5. The Board discussed reviews of panel draft reports not yet received. Colonel Strang reported Panel 15, Final report, will be available for review on March 13. The Board scheduled a meeting with Panel 5 on March 14. Further scheduling of meetings with Panels will be accomplished as reports are available.

March 14, 1967

1. Dr. Thompson advised that Dr. Gilruth and certain members of his staff will be at KSC on March 20 for the purpose of making a presentation on the subject of solder joints.

2. Colonel Borman presented the modified Panel 13 report for acceptance. The Board agreed with the report as modified and requested distribution to the Board Members for a final review.

3. Material Release Record Item 0161 was presented for the Board's consideration and approved. Items 0157, 0158, 0159 and 0160 were approved by Mr. Geer on March 13.

4. The Board met with Panel 21, Service Module Disposition, to review the final Panel Report. The Report was accepted subject to correction.

March 15, 1967

1. Disassembly of the ECU was completed this date.

2. The Board met with the Chairmen of Panels 5 and 6 for a preliminary review of their final reports.

3. Mr. Eldon E. Mathauser and Mr. Andrew G. Swanson, Langley Research Center, and Mr. Richard B. Ferguson, Manned Spacecraft Center, were appointed by Dr. Thompson to support the Board in the capacity of technically reviewing Final Panel Reports.

March 16, 1967

1. The Final Report from Panel 15, Administrative Proceedures, was submitted to the Apollo 204 Review Board for individual study by Board Members. In a special session, the Board accepted the Final Report of Panel 15, subject to editorial corrections.

2. The Board met with Dr. Charles A. Berry (Chief, Division of Medical Research and Operations, MSC), Dr. Kelly, and Dr. Harter for a briefing on the life sciences portion of the Apollo 204 Review including the proposed final report of Panel 11, Medical Analysis. In addition to the Board Members, Mr. Malley, Counsel to the Board and Mr. Robert F. Allnut, Assistant to the Counsel, were in attendance.

March 17, 1967

1. During the General Session, discussion was conducted by Dr. Thompson with the Panel Chairmen on preparation of their Final Reports and responsibilities of the Apollo 204 Review Board.

2. Mr. Simpkinson, Chairman of Panel 4, Disassembly Activities, reported on the status of C/M Disassembly. It is now scheduled for completion by March 22, 1967.

3. Colonel Borman presented MRR Items 0162-0166 which were approved.

4. Mr. Sasseen gave an interim report for the Screening Committee. Their report is expected to be completed by March 24, 1967.

5. Mr. Williams presented proposed Action Item 0180, which was considered and approved.

6. The Board met with the Chairman of Panel 8, Materials Review, to review the Final Panel Report. It was suggested that one additional test be accomplished, and reviewed prior to acceptance by the Board.

7. Colonel Strang discussed the selection of photographs for inclusion in the Panel reports and the Final Board Report. The photographs selected thus far were made available for review by the Board.

8. Mr. Simpkinson was appointed Special Assistant to the Board for technical matters pertaining to preparation of the Final Report.

March 18, 19, 1967

1. The Board met with the Chairmen of Panel 1, S/C and GSE Configuration; Panel 5, Origin and Propogation of Fire; Panel 10, Analysis of Fracture Areas; and Panel 14, Security of Operations, to review their Final Panel Reports. The reports were accepted subject to correction.

2. Material Release Record Items 0167-0192 were approved by the Board.

[Appendix A, "Board Minutes," says the Board met in Executive Session, Sunday March 19, 1967.]

March 20, 1967

1. Col. Strang presented a progress report on the Final Panel Reports. As of March 19, 1967, Reports from the following Panels have been received and accepted by the Board, subject to editorial corrections: Panels 1, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20 and 21. The Board accepted, subject to correction the findings and determinations of Panel 5.

2. The Deputy Administrator, NASA, designated Langley Research Center as the custodian of all materials dealing with the investigation and review of the Apollo 204 Accident. The Chairman of the Board, who has the responsibility of determining the materials that are to be included in the final repository, has determined that the following categories of materials are to be preserved:
1.Reports, files, and working materials.

2. Medical reports.

3. Spacecraft 012 Command Module, its systems, components, and related drawings.

Category 1 will be stored at Langley Research Center, Category 2 at Manned Spacecraft Center and Category 3 at Kennedy Space Center.

As long as the materials are under the jurisdiction of the Board, access to materials shall be in accordance with the Board's policy. When the Langley Research Center assumes custody of the materials, access will be in accordance with the policy established by the Director, Langley Research Center.

3. Dr. Van Dolah reported on a test being made in C/M 014 to attempt to determine the amount of static electricity that may be generated by a suited crewman.

4. Mr. Williams presented proposed Action Items 0181 and 0182. Explanitory comments were made by Dr. Van Dolah on Item 0181. Mr. Sasseen made distribution of a memorandum, subject: "Plan of Action for AC Inverter 2" relative to Action Item 0182. Both of these Action Items were approved by the Board.

5. Colonel Borman presented MRR Item #0193 for consideration. This Item was approved by the Board.

6. Prior to the Executive Session, the Board met with Dr. Robert Gilruth, Director, MSC, and members of his staff, plus management and engineering personnel from North American Aviation, Inc. for a presentation on the subject of solder joints in the Command Module.

March 21, 1967

1. The Board reviewed and accepted, subject to editorial correction, the Panel 4 Final Report. The Final Reports from Panels 7 and 11 were submitted to the Board for review.

2. The Board Chairman appointed Mr. F. E. Eastman (MSC) as the Board's agent to witness activities associated with removal, transportation, disassembly, and testing of the Static Inverter 2, S/N 09240 ML 0088, in accordance with Apollo Spacecraft Hardware Utilization Request 012503 dated March 21, 1967.

3. MRR Items 0194-0199 were presented for consideration and approved by the Board.

March 22, 1967

1. The Apollo 204 Review Board witnessed a demonstration on the removal of C/M crew hatches. the demonstration was conducted in the PIB using a mock-up C/M. The purpose of the demonstration was to provide the Review Board a thorough understanding of hatch removal both from the inside and outside of the C/M. Following this demonstration the Board went to the ACE Control Room (MSOB) to get first-hand knowledge of the operations that are carried out there.

2. Major Butler, in Colonel Strang's Absence, presented a progress report on the Final Panel Reports. As of March 21, 1967, the Board has reviewed and accepted, subject to editorial corrections, the Final Reports of 4, 5, and 11. The Final Reports from 10, 13, 14, and 20, presently being edited, are scheduled for submittal to the printers by March 23.

3. Dr. Faget distributed a report on the updated status of the analysis of items under investigation by Panel 18. To date there are 105 items; 27 remain open and 78 are closed. None of the closed items fall into the category, "May have caused the accident."

March 23, 1967

1. The Board met with the Chairman and Members of Panel 7 to review the Panel's Final Report. The Report was returned for further action prior to acceptance.

March 24, 1967

1. The Board met with Panels 6 and 9 to review their Final Reports. These meetings required the full day, therefore, the General Session which had been scheduled for 10:30 a.m. was postponed.

2. MRR item 0200 was considered by the Board and approved.

3. The Board will recess at 1:30 p.m., March 25 until 8:00 a.m., March 28. Regular activity of the Board will be discontinued during that period; however, Panel Report preparation and detailed testing and analysis will continue.

March 25, 1967

1. The Board met with the Chairman and Members of Panel 18 for a brief preliminary review of their Report. The Board also met with the Chairman and Members of Panel 2 to review that Panel's Final Report. The Report was accepted, subject to incorporation of corrections and amplifying statements.

2. The Board reported that all Panel Reports have been reviewed. A second review of the Reports from Panels 5, 9 and 18 will be accomplished next week.

3. The Board recessed until 8:00 a.m., March 28.

March 28, 1967

1. The Board was in recess from March 25 at 1:00 p.m. until March 28 at 8:00 a.m., however, work continued in the preparation of Panel Reports.

2. Colonel Strang made the following report on the progress and preparation of the Final Reports:

A follow-up review by the Board of Final Reports from Panels 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 18 is required. The Panel 18 Report will be available for Board review at 8:00 a.m., March 29. The Board scheduled a meeting with Panel 18 for 1:00 p.m., March 29 to conduct a critical review of their Report. it is tentatively planned that the Board will review Final Reports with Panels 7 and 9 on March 30. Reviews with Panels 3, 5 and 12 will also be scheduled.

Eleven Panel Reports have been submitted for varityping. Final Reports from Panels 4, 10, 14, 16, 17, 19 and 21 plus Parts I and II of the Final Report and General Session Minutes were distributed by Col. Strang. This material is to be reviewed by the Board Members and Counsel prior to printing of the Final Report.

Specific assignments have been made regarding preparation of a narrative describing the Spacecraft 012 test sequences and their objectives, the time line of events from start of the T-10 hold through medical determination of death and the investigation and analysis activities of the Board.

3. Mr. Malley discussed preparation of findings, determinations and recommendations. He also stated that if corrections are made after typing, they can be included in the Final Report as Addenda and Corrigenda.

4. Dr. Thompson asked for a report on PIB activity. Colonel Borman introduced MRR Items 0201, 0202 and 0203 which were considered by the Board and approved. Disassembly of the Spacecraft was completed on March 27 during the first shift. 1,241 items are logged in as having gone through the Bond Room for display to Review Board and Panel personnel. Of these, approximately 1,000 came from the C/M.

5. The Final Report of the Screening Committee was distributed by Mr. Sasseen to the Board Members for their review. Mr. Sasseen stated that the following eight items will be retained in Category A:
Lower Equipment Bay Junction Box Cover Plate

Command Pilot's Torso Harness

Velcro and Raschel Netting

Static Inverter 2

Main Display Control Panel 8

Instrumentation Data Distribution Panel J800/J850

Octopus Cable

6. Dr. Faget advised that LiOH cartridge has been sent to MSC for analysis. Mr. Callahan of OMSF was appointed courier to handcarry this Item to MSC. Mr. R. S. Johnston has been designated the Board's witness for the analysis. MSC's Crew Systems Laboratory will perform the analysis and provide the Board with a report. Objective of the analysis will be to identify contaminants in the LiOH and to determine the quantity of CO2 in the LiOH.

7. Members of the Board and other interested personnel viewed a demonstration in the Spacecraft Mock-up at the PIB of hatch removal conducted by NAA personnel who performed this function at the time of the accident.

8. Mr. William D. Mangan, LaRC, Office of the Chief Counsel, joined the Legal Staff supporting the Board.

March 29, 1967

1. The Board members met with Panel 18 to conduct a critical review of the Panel 18 Report.

2. Colonel Strang reviewed the status of Final Report preparation. The Board scheduled a review meeting with Panel 9 for March 20 at 9:00 a.m., to be followed by meetings with Panels 7, 6, and 3, as time permits. The Reports from Panels 11 and 12 are being clarified in certain places prior to varityping.

March 30, 1967

1. The Board met with the Chairmen and Members of Panels 9, 7, and 3, to complete acceptance of their Final Panel Reports.

March 31, 1967

1. Col. Strang made the following report on the status of Final Panel Reports:
Reports from the following Panels have had printer's copies prepared and distributed to the Board for final review: 4, 10, 14, 16, 17, and 21. Most of these Reports have been returned by Board Members for final editing and printing.

The following Panel Reports are being processed today for preparation of printer's copies: 3, 5, 7, 11, and 6.

Printer's copies of Panel Reports 1, 13, 15, and 20 are to be distributed to the Board today for final review.

Final Draft copies of Panel Reports 2, 8, 7 and 12 are being reviewed by Board Members. After return of these Reports to Panel 17, they will be processed for preparation of printer's copies and subsequently distributed to the Board for final review.

The Final Report from Panel 18 is still undergoing rewrite by the Panel.

2. Col. Borman introduced MRR 0204 to release the Launch Escape System from Category A to C. He requested approval for a general MRR to release from Category A to C all parts and equipment that were not attached to the Spacecraft at the time of the accident. Approval was granted on both of these items.

3. The Final Report of the Screening Committee was distributed by Mr. Sasseen at the General Session for Board review. The Board approved the categorizing of the parts, components and assemblies of the Spacecraft. Dr. Thompson stated that the Board accepts the report as the basis on which the handling of these parts, components and assemblies will be followed regarding custody and access to them.

4. Mr. William E. Guilian, Chief Counsel, Marshal Space Flight Center, has joined the Legal Staff supporting the Board.

5. Dr. Thompson announced that in view of the imminent completion of the Investigation and Final Report, the March 31 General Session would be the last scheduled meeting of the Board. Any subsequent meetings which may be required prior to the time the Board is recessed at the completion of the Final Report will be called by the Chairman.

Updated February 3, 2003
Steve Garber, NASA History Web Curator
For further information E-mail histinfo@hq.nasa.gov