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The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified February 3, 1959, of this accident and an investigation was immediately begun in accordance with the provisions of Section 701 (a) (2) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. Depositions were taken at Mason City, Iowa, February 18, 1959.

N 3794N, a Beech Bonanza, model 35, S/N-1019, was manufactured October 17, 1947. It was equipped with Continental model E 185-8 engine and a Beech model R-203-100 propeller. The aircraft had accumulated a total of 2,154 flying hours and the engine had 40 hours since overhaul. The aircraft was purchased by the Dwyer Flying Service July 1, 1958.

The Dwyer Flying Service, owned and operated by Mr. Hubert J. Dwyer, was started in 1953. The business consisted of a fixed-base operation engaged in charter flying, student instruction, and aircraft maintenance and sales. The service had an air carrier operating certificate with an air taxi rating issued by the Federal Aviation Agency. The certificate permitted the carrying of passengers for hire within the continental limits of the United States in accordance with visual flight rules, both day and night.

Roger Peterson, age 21, held airman certificate No. 1324428, with single-engine land and flight instructor ratings. He took his last second-class physical examination March 29, 1958.