Page:CAB Accident Report, TWA Flight 6.pdf/8

-6- Cyclone-G-102 engines, each rated at 1100 horsepower for take-off, and was equipped with Hamilton Standard constant speed, hydromatic, full feathering propellers, Hub Models left propeller 23 E 50-47 and right propeller 23 E 50-85. The blade design for both propellers was No. 6153A-18. This model aircraft and its equipment had been approved by the Civil Aeronautics Authority for air carrier operation over routes flown by TWA for 25 passengers and a crew of three. This particular airplane, however, was one of a group designed as a combination club seat and sky sleeper with berth sections in the forward part of the cabin and seats to the rear. At night when the berths are used, the airplane carries a normal complement of 15 passengers, accommodating 8 passengers in the berth sections and 7 passengers in the club seats. The airplane had been certificated for operation with a standard gross weight of 24,400 pounds and a provisional gross weight of 24,800 pounds. At the time of departure of Trip 6 from Kansas City, the gross weight of the airplane was approximately 24,475 pounds, including mail, cargo, 611 gallons of fuel, 53 gallons of oil, 11 passengers, and a crew of three. The record shows that the airplane was loaded in accordance with the current approved loading schedule prescribed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration and which was attached to the airworthiness certificate of the airplane.

The airplane and its equipment had received the overhauls, periodic inspections, and checks which are provided for in company practice and approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration.