SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Investigation and Taking of Depositions
The Fort Worth office of the Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of this accident shortly after it occurred September 2, 1959. An investigation was made in accordance with the provisions of the Federal. Aviation Act of 1958. Depositions were taken September 21, 24, and 28, and October 23, 1959.
Air Carrier
American Air Export and Import Company, AAXICO, is a Florida corporation with its principal offices in Miami. It holds a valid certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board and an air carrier operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Agency. Under the authority the carrier is principally engaged in an air freight operation pursuant to a contract with the U. S. A. F. Under the contract it serves numerous Air Force Bases on a regular schedule.
Maintenance work pertinent to this accident was performed by Associated Airmotive, Inc., a Texas corporation with its principal office at San Antonio. Associated Airmotive, Inc., is a certificated repair station approved by the Federal Aviation Agency.
Flight Personnel
Captain William J. Bagus, age 36, was employed by the company October 12, 1955. He was promoted to captain January 19, 1957. He held a valid airman certificate with airline transport and C-46 rating. Captain Bagus had accomplished 7,294 flying hours, of which 3,656 were in the C-46. His last first-class medical examination was satisfactorily accomplished June 29, 1959.
First Officer Erceill D. Maher, age 38, was employed by the company June 11, 1959. He held a valid airman certificate with commercial and instrument ratings. He had a total of 4,839 flying hours, of which 287 were in the C-46. His last medical examination was satisfactorily completed on July 20, 1959.
The Aircraft
Curtiss Wright C-46F, N 5140B, bore manufacturer's serial number 26809 and was built in 1942. The aircraft had flown 289 hours since the last No. 4 inspection and less than two hours between the emergency and the last No. 2 inspection. It was powered by Pratt and Whitney engines, model R2800-51M1, and the engines were equipped with Hamilton Standard, model 23E50, propellers.
