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arrived that afternoon and a thorough examination of the wreckage was started.
The engines, propellers, radio equipment and certain other accessories of the airplane were removed from the scene of the accident to the TWA maintenance shop at Kansas City, Missouri, in order that a more adequate inspection might be made. During the transportation of this equipment it was constantly in the custody of an investigator of the Board. The disassembly and inspection of the engines and other equipment were made under the direct supervision of the Board's power plant engineer.
The inspection of all parts of the aircraft was completed by the Board on February 1, 1941, and aircraft NC 17315 was accordingly released to TWA.
Public Hearing
In connection with the investigation of the accident, a public hearing was held at St. Louis, Missouri, beginning on January 30, and continuing through February 1, 1940. G. Grant Mason, Jr., of the five Members of the Board, was designated by the Board to preside at the hearing. He was assisted by Robert W. Chrisp, Attorney of the Board, who acted as Associate Examiner; Jerome Lederer, Director of the Safety Bureau of the Board; Frank E. Caldwell, Chief, Investigation Division of the Safety Bureau; and Paul A. Gareau, Air Safety Specialist in Meteorology of the Safety Bureau.
At the hearing all the evidence then available to the Board was presented, 72 exhibits were introduced, and 39 witnesses testified
