Page:CAB Accident Report, National Airlines Flight 967.pdf/8



The Board's Investigator-in-Charge at Miami, Florida, the regional office, was notified immediately when it was established that Flight 967 was missing. An investigation was immediately initiated in accordance with the provisions of Section 702(a)(2) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. A public hearing was ordered by the Board and held at the Empress Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida, on January 15 and 16, 1960.

National Airlines, Inc., is a Florida corporation with its main office at Miami, Florida. The company operates as a scheduled air carrier under a currently effective certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board and an operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Agency. These certificates authorize the transportation by air of persons, property and mail between various points in the United States including Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and New Orleans, Louisiana.

Captain Frank Eugene Todd, age 43, was employed by National Airlines in 1951. His total piloting time was 14,700 hours, of which 400 hours had been in DC-7 aircraft. He held all pertinent piloting certification issued by the FAA, was current on his physical examination; had had adequate rest before the subject flight and was also current on his line and instrument checks.

Copilot Dick Sheridan Beebee, age 34, was hired by National in February 1953, and was promoted to captain in January 1957. He had a total piloting time of 8,710 hours, of which 400 had been in DC-7 aircraft. Mr. Beebee held all requisite FAA piloting certification and ratings and was current on his physical examination and his instrument check.

Flight Engineer George Henry Clark, Jr., age 31, was employed by National as an apprentice mechanic in July 1944. In March 1951, he was promoted to mechanic and in December 1952, to flight engineer. His total flying time was 6,585 hours. Mr. Clark held all requisite FAA certifications and additionally held a commercial pilot's certificate.

Mr. Jack Atkinson of the FAA was listed as an additional crew member. His aeronautical qualifications and certifications will not be detailed as they are not germane to the accident.

Both stewardesses, Patricia Ann Hires and Donna Jean Osburn, had been satisfactorily schooled in their duties and in emergency procedures. Both had had adequate rest periods prior to the subject flight.

The aircraft was a Douglas DC-7B owned by Delta Air Lines, Inc., and operated by National under an approved equipment interchange agreement. This aircraft was serial number 45355 and it had a total operational time of 6,578 hours. Records indicate that all maintenance had been satisfactory and was current. The engines were Wright Aeronautical Company's Model R-3350. Their maintenance had been current and all four had had time since overhaul well within the prescribed limit. Propellers were models 34E60-345 with 6921D-3 blades. All hub and blade maintenance had been satisfactory and was current.