Page:CAB Accident Report, Eastern Air Lines Flight 21.pdf/2



An accident involving aircraft NC 26394 occurred in the vicinity of Atlanta, Georgia, on February 26, 1941, about 11:50 p.m. (CST), while the aircraft was operating in scheduled air carrier service between New York, New York, and Brownsville, Texas, as Trip 21 of Eastern Air Lines, Inc. The accident resulted in the destruction of the airplane, fatal injuries to five passengers and three members of the crew, serious injuries to five passengers, and minor injuries to three passengers. Although the accident occurred at 11:50 p.m., the wreckage was not located until about 6:30 a.m. the next morning. The Washington office of the Civil Aeronautics Board (hereinafter referred to as the "Board") was officially notified of the accident about 8:30 (EST) that morning.

Immediately after receiving this notification, the Board initiated an investigation of the accident in accordance with the provisions of Section 702 (a) (2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"). Accident investigators of the Board arrived at the Atlanta Municipal Airport on the afternoon of February 27, 1941, and immediately proceeded to the scene of the accident. In accordance with instructions of the Board, the damaged airplane had been placed under guard and the airplane had not been disturbed except to the extent necessary to remove injured persons and cargo from the wreckage. Upon arrival, the investigators took custody of the wreckage and began their inspection.