Page:CAB Accident Report, American Airlines Flight 9.pdf/25



Upon all of the evidence available to the Board at this time, we find that the facts relating to the accident involving NC 16015 which occurred near St. Louis, Missouri, on December 11, 1940, are as follows:

1. The accident, which occurred at approximately 2:47 p.m., December 11, 1940, to American Airlines' Trip 9 of that date, resulted in major damage to aircraft NC 16015 and injuries to two passengers and two members of the crew.

2. At the time of the accident, American Airlines held a currently effective and appropriate certificate of public convenience and necessity and an air carrier operating certificate.

3. Captain Susott and First Officer Phillips were physically qualified and held proper certificates of competency to operate as air carrier pilots over the route between Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri.

4. Aircraft NC 16015 was currently certificated as airworthy at the time of the accident.

5. Trip 9 was cleared by the company flight dispatcher in accordance with proper procedure from Chicago, Illinois, to St. Louis, Missouri.

6. At the time of departure from Chicago the gross weight of the airplane did not exceed the approved gross weight and its load was properly distributed with reference to the location of the center of gravity.

7. At the time of departure from Chicago to St. Louis, the airplane carried sufficient fuel to permit flight at normal cruising power to St. Louis and thereafter for about six hours, thus making available to Captain Susott a choice between a number of alternate airports.