Could Akron have climbed above the fatal storm?

Could Akron have escaped the storm by climbing above it?

The surviving evidence cannot establish that. The 26,000-foot figure was theoretical, and operations near 15,000 feet had already caused problems.

Akron's cited 26,000-foot figure was a theoretical ceiling rather than a routine operating height. Earlier mountain crossings around 15,000 feet had already created oxygen and handling problems. The damage sustained during the first part of the storm is uncertain, so the remaining climb capability cannot be reconstructed confidently. Only three crewmen survived, and the executive officer's periods of unconsciousness further limit the testimony.