Aviation Accident Report: Zantop Logair Flight 60-16/Supplemental Data

SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

Investigation

The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of the accident immediately after occurrence. An investigation was started at once in accordance with the provisions of Title VII of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended.

Air Carrier

Zantop Air Transport, Inc., is a Supplemental Air Carrier incorporated in the State of Michigan. It holds a currently effective interim certificate for supplemental air transportation and a temporary certificate of convenience and necessity for supplemental air transportation issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board. It also holds an air carrier operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Agency. LOGAIR flights are performed by this corporation under a contract with the United States Air Force.

Flight Personnel

Captain Laurence H. Wenzel, age 42, was employed by Zantop Air Transport, Inc., in April 1962. He held a valid air transport pilot certificate with ratings in C-46 aircraft. Captain Wenzel had a total of 7,003 hours, 1,133 hours of which were in C-46 type aircraft, and had flown 204 hours in the last 90 days. His last proficiency check in a C-46 was August 20, 1962. He held a first-class medical certificate, without waivers, dated January 30, 1962.

First Officer Clarence B. Miller, age 28, was employed by Zantop Air Transport, Inc., in 1962. He held a valid commercial pilot certificate with no type rating. His commercial license was for single engine land with instrument rating. First Officer Miller had 2,133 hours total time, 300 hours of which were in the C-46 and had flown 229 hours in the preceding 90 days. His last proficiency check was dated August 12, 1962, and was given in a C-46. He held a first-class medical certificate, without waivers, dated May 30, 1962.

Aircraft

N 616Z a Curtiss-Wright C-46F, serial No. 22590 was owned and operated by Zantop Air Transport, Inc. It had flown a total of 17,683 hours and was manufactured in 1942. The last major overhaul inspection was performed at 5,076 hours. Zantop maintenance records indicate that the last preflight check was performed on February 16, 1963. The aircraft had flown a total of 80 hours since the last numbered check, (#2), completed on February 16, 1963. The aircraft was equipped with two Pratt and Whitney R-2800-75 engines which had flown 228 hours since overhaul. Two Hamilton Standard model 23E5-50 propellers with blade type 649B1B-6 were installed. The No. 1 propeller had flown 228 hours since overhaul and the No. 2 propeller 80 hours.