SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Investigation and Hearing
The Atlanta Office of the Civil Aeronautics Board was advised at 0430 on February 23, 1945, that American's Flight 9 was overdue and that the last radio contact had been at 0205. At 1330 the Atlanta Office was notified that the wreckage had been located approximately 5½ miles southwest of Rural Retreat, Virginia.
An investigation was initiated in accordance with provisions of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended. Air Safety Investigators proceeded immediately to the scene of the accident. The wreckage was guarded by Virginia State Police on February 23 and 24 and by county sheriffs on February 25 and 26 at which time the Board released the wreckage to the company.
In connection with the investigation the Board ordered a Public Hearing which was held in two sessions - one at Marion, Virginia, on March 1, the other at New York, New York, on March 8 and 9. The Chief of the Investigation Section, Safety Bureau, presided and other personnel of the Board's Safety Bureau staff participated.
Air Carrier
American Airlines, Inc., a Delaware Corporation with main offices at New York, New York, was operating as an air carrier under a currently effective certificate of public convenience and necessity and an air carrier operating certificate both issued pursuant to the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended. These certificates authorized the company to transport persons, property and mail between various points in the United States, including Washington, D. C., and Nashville, Tennessee.
Flight Personnel
Captain James E. Stroud, age 35, First Officer Robert M. Brigman, age 24, and Stewardess Sarah Worley Padgett, all of Nashville, Tennessee, comprised the crew. Both captain and first officer were properly certificated and rated and the captain was qualified for the route involved.
Aircraft
The Douglas DC3, serial number 2138, NC 18142, was manufactured by the Douglas Aircraft Company in May 1939, and was properly certificated. It was purchased now by American and was flown in that company's service for approximately 17,296 hours, 2026 of which were after the last major overhaul. The aircraft was powered by two Wright Cyclone G-102 engines, having respectively 18,529 hours, 411 since overhaul and 13,854 hours, 170 since overhaul. Hamilton Standard propellers were installed.
