Page:Aviation Accident Report, American Export Airlines Flight 71.pdf/6

- 5 - However, before reaching shore the aircraft sank in about 40 feet of water. Salvage operations were undertaken as soon as the necessary equipment could be obtained and continued with partial success until October 22, 1942, at which time all further efforts were suspended. The forward portion of the hull from the bow aft to the pilots compartment, including the complete instrument panel, was not recovered; neither was the complete empennage, which was accidentally severed from the rear portion of the hull during salvage operations. All four propellers were broken away from the engines and were not recovered.

The rudder and elevator control cables were found still attached to their respective places on the rudder pedals and control column. The cables farther aft in the hull section were severed either by the impact or during salvaging operations. The trim tab indicators were found and their settings were noted as follows: Elevator 0°, rudder 4½°, "left" turn position; aileron 9°, right wing "down" position. The wing flaps were found still properly attached to the wing assembly and in the full 35° "down" position. The left wing flap was badly damaged, probably as the result of salvaging operations, the right flap was only slightly damaged.

Witnesses

At the several sessions of the hearing held in connection with this accident, 31 witnesses testified. Most of this testimony, with the exception of that of the crew, was confined almost entirely to impressions of the action of the aircraft during the take-off and subsequent crash, and to rescue operations which followed. However, the captain, first officer, and several other members of the crew who took an active part in