Page:CAB Accident Report, Pennsylvania-Central Airlines Flight 143.pdf/6

 Captain Wright a period of flight training and a series of flight checks which included training and checks in single-engine operation. Company records indicated that he was a well qualified and proficient pilot.

First Officer William H. Riley, aged 28, had accumulated a total flying time of approximately 1474 hours and 40 minutes. He had been originally employed by PCA on February 1, 1940. At the time of the accident he held a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating, and had logged a total of 212 hours in Boeing Model 247D airplanes. His last physical examination required by the Civil Air Regulations, taken on April 10, 1941, showed him to be in a satisfactory physical condition. He was regarded by PCA as well qualified for his duties.

Thus, it appears from the evidence that Captain Wright and First Officer Riley held the proper certificates of competency and were physically qualified for the flight and equipment involved.

Airplane NC 13359 had been manufactured by the Boeing Airplane Company in July, 1932. It was originally purchased by United Air Lines Transport Corporation which sold it to PCA in March, 1937. The airplane was a Model 247D powered with two Pratt & Whitney Wasp S1H1-G engines, and at the time of the accident had flown a total of about 14,866 hours, with replacements of engines and of parts from time to time. Subsequent to its purchase by PCA it was approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration for air carrier operation