Page:CAB Accident Report, TWA Flight 47.pdf/4

 Investigation and Hearing

The civil Aeronautics Board received notification at 1330 and an investigation was initiated immediately by the Senior Air Safety Investigator in charge of the Board's Chicago Office, in accordance with Section 702 (a) (2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended.

In connection with the investigation, the Board ordered a Public Hearing which was held at. Chicago, Ilinois, on October 5, 1945. The Chief, Investigation Division, Safety Bureau of the Board, served as Presiding Officer and other members of the Safety Bureau staff participated.

Air Carrier Transcontinental and Wastern Air, Inc., a Delaware corporation with headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, hold a certificate of convenience and necessity and an air carrier operating certificate, both issued pursuant to the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938 as amended. Both certificates were currently effective and authorized the carrier to transport passengers, mail and express between various points including Chicago and Kansas City.

Flight: Personnel of DC3

Gaptrin L. N. Smith and First Officer G. T. Reier comprised the crew of fight 47. Both were properly certificated for the flight involved.

Airliner

NC 19939, a Douglas DC3, serial No. 4992, was manufactured by Douglas Company and was purchased by TA from the Army on December, 30, 1944. It was powered by two right Cyclone G202A engines equipped with Hamilton Standard propellers. Total time on the aircraft was slightly over 8000 hours and it was currently certificated as airworthy. At the time of departure from Chicago the total, weight was 22,771 lbs., well below that allowable. This load was distributed properly.

Training Aroraft

NC 51445, a Booing A7510N1 (military designation PT-17), was owned by the Jefferson Park Plying Club, Inc.; and was registered in the name of Ernest J. Krenz, Sceretary-Treasurer of the Club, Manufactured for the Army in October 1941. it was purchased by the Jefferson Flying Club from the Defense Plant Corporation in July 1945, and was currently certificated as airworthy. This aircraft had been flown approximately 3176 hours including 1367. since the last major overhaul