Science flight #7 was originally scheduled to take-off at 11:30 am local time on Monday October 26.  The morning started out with light rain showers, but by approximately 11:00 am, temperatures dropped and snow began to fall.  The DC-8 crew and instrument operators were already on the DC-8 and awaiting pushback when the DC-8 and ground crew noticed snow accumulation on the wings.  It was then decided that the flight would be canceled.  The weather above Pine Island, however, was cloud free and perfect for a survey using ATM and KU radar instruments, making the flight cancelation due to local weather in Punta Arenas very unfortunate.

The low-level survey of Pine Island Glacier is now scheduled for Tuesday October 26 based on current weather forecasts.  These forecasts will be re-evaluated on the morning of the flight and if weather above Pine Island is not clear, a low-level survey of Evans Glacier will be the objective.

0700 Power on and access

0730 Pre-flight brief

0830 Doors close

0900 Take-off

**11 hour flight for a low-level survey of Pine Island Glacier if weather permits, or Evans Glacier as a back-up**

2000 Land

2030 or ASAP Post-flight brief

The DC-8 is grounded because of bad local weather conditions

Snow accumulation led to the decision to cancel the flight

Punta Arenas Airport