Page:CAB Accident Report, Reeve Aleutian Airways Flight 3.pdf/8

 Investigation and Public Hearing

The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of the accident at 2332, September 24, 1959. An investigation was immediately initiated in accordance with Section 701(a)(2) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958. A public hearing was ordered by the Board and was held in Anchorage, Alaska, October 13, 1959.

Air Carrier

Reeve Aleutian Airways, Inc., is an Alaskan corporation with its principal office in Anchorage, Alaska. The corporation operates as an air carrier under a 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 carrier to engage in air transportation of persons, cargo, and mail within the United States.

Flight Personnel

Captain Eugene 0. Strouse, age 49, was employed by Reeve Aleutian Airways as a copilot May 27, 1950. He held an airline transport pilot certificate with DC-3, DC-1, Sikorsky Sh3, and Curtiss C-16 type ratings. His last proficiency check was taken September 14, 1958. His last FAA first-class medical examination was taken March 26, 1956. He had a total of 12,853 flying hours, of which 1,278 were in DC-4 equipment.

First Officer Robert L. Pollom, age 38, was employed by the company July 7, 1958. He held a valid commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. His last FAA second-class medical examination was taken June 15, 1959. He had a total of 3,949 flying hours, of which 883 were in DC-4 aircraft.

Flight Engineer Brian D. Green, age 30, was employed by the company June 26, 1958. He held a valid flight engineer certificate and a mechanic certificate with an airframe and powerplant rating. He had accumulated approximately 312 hours as a flight engineer.

Stewardess Elizabeth Ann Burke, are 24, was employed by the company September 19, 1958.

Stewardess Lorraine Ann Henderson, age 26, was employed by the company November 11, 1958.

The Aircraft

N 63396, a Douglas C-543-DC was manufactured December 10, 1944, and was purchased by Reeve Aleutian Airways, Inc., March 7, 1957. The aircraft had accumulated a total of 33,390:46 hours since new and 4,151:52 hours since overhaul. The aircraft was equipped with four Pratt and Whitney R-2000-7M2 engines and Hamilton Standard propellers, model 23850-505.

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