Page:CAB Accident Report, US Overseas Airlines C-54-G crash (15 October 1959).pdf/6



Investigation

The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of the accident shortly after it occurred. An Investigation was immediately initiated in accordance with the provisions of Tale VII of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958.

Air Carrier

United States Overseas Airlines, Inc., holds a temporary CAB certificate of public convenience and necessity to operate as a domestic Supplemental Air Carrier which expires March 30, 1961, and FAA Air Carrier Operating Certificate No. NY-1, authorizing irregular air carrier passenger and cargo operations. The carrier's principal operating and maintenance base is located at Oakland Municipal Airport, Oakland, California.

Flight Personnel

Captain Jewell Read, age 45, was employed by U. S. Overseas Airlines on July 21, 1958, as a copilot In C-54 aircraft following his retirement from the U. S. Navy where he was a naval aviator in transport-type equipment. He held a currently effective airman certificate with airline transport and other appropriate ratings. His last first-class physical was completed April 3, 1959. He was upgraded to reserve captain on February 6, 1959, and to captain on August 28, 1959. He had a total of 12,166 flying hours, 7,303 of which were in C-54 type aircraft. He had flown a total of 216 hours within the last 90 days, all of which were in 0-54 type aircraft. He had completed the required ground school tests, instrument, and proficiency checks.

Copilot Gordon Cole, age 37, was employed by U. S. Overseas Airlines on July 16, 1959. He held an airman certificate with commercial privileges and single-engine land rating. His last second-class physical was completed July 27, 1959. He had a total of 9,024 flying hours, 255 of which were in C-54 type aircraft. He had completed the required ground school tests, instrument, and proficiency checks.

The Aircraft

Douglas C-54-G, N 4000A, serial number 36063, was purchased by U. S. Overseas Airlines from the U. S. Air Force on November 16, 1955, and was of a cargo configuration. It had a total flying time of 19,269 hours, 10,543 hours since the last major overhaul. Nos.1 and 4 engines were Pratt & Whitney R-2000-D-5 twin Wasps. Nos. 2 and 3 engines were Pratt & Whitney R-2000-7M2 twin Wasps. No. 1 engine had 17,531 total hours, 895 hours since last overhaul. No. 2 engine had 6,506 total hours, 591 hours since last overhaul. No. 3 engine had 17,630 total hours, 799 since last overhaul. No. 4 engine had 16,754 total hours, 357 hours since last overhaul.