Page:CAB Aircraft Accident Report, Pan Am Flight 214.pdf/14



The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of this accident on December 8, 1963, and an investigation was immediately initiated under the provisions of Title VII of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended. A public hearing was conducted as part of this investigation at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 24-26, 1964.

Pan American world Always, Inc., is a New York corporation with headquarters at New York City, New York.

The company operates as a scheduled air carrier under a currently effective certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board, and an operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Agency.

Captain George F. Knuth, age 45, held a current air transport pilot certificate No. 796-40 issued April 20, 1953, with type ratings in B-707, DC-6, DC-3, and L-49. He also had navigator's rating. Captain Knuth had 17,049 hours total flying time of which 2,890 hours were in the B-707. Hi last Class I physical examination was accomplished in December 1963 and no waiver was required.

First Officer John R. Dale, age 48, held a current air transport pilot certificate 450373 issued November 11, 1955, with type ratings in the B-707, L-49, B-377, and navigation. He had a total of 13,963 hours flying time of which 2,681 hours were in B-707 aircraft. His last physical examination was completed in August, 1963, with no waivers.

Second Officer Paul L. Orringer, age 42, held an air transport pilot certificate 220082, issued April 6, 1962, with type ratings in DC-6, DC-3, and navigation. He had 10,008 total flying hours including 2,808 in B-707 aircraft. His last physical examination was completed in June, 1963, with no waivers.

Flight Engineer John H. Kantlehner, held an aircraft and powerplant mechanic certificate and a flight engineer certificate. The latter was issued December 14, 1955. He had a total flying time of 6,066 hours including 76 hours in the B-707. His last physical examination was completed October 1, 1963, with no waivers.

The cabin attendants were properly trained and qualified for the positions in which they were serving.

The aircraft, a Boeing 707-121, N709PA was purchased by Pan American in 1958 and had a total flying time of 14,609 hours. The last major inspection was performed March 25, 1963, and the last layover transit inspection December 7, 1963.