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military guard and was so kept until completion of the investigation.
Hearing
In connection with the investigation a public hearing was held in Los Angeles, California, on October 28 and 29, 1942. The hearing met in closed session on October 30, 1942 in order that testimony might be taken from military personnel.
Allen P. Bourdon, Acting Chief, Investigation Division, Safety Bureau, Civil Aeronautics Board, was Presiding Officer, and the following personnel of the Safety Bureau participated in the hearing: Jesse W. Lankford, Acting Director; Ralph A. Reed, Senior Air Safety Investigator; and Frank X. McKleeven, Air Safety Investigator.
Subsequent to the hearing an additional witness was found and his sworn statement was taken by Ralph A. Reed at Camp Young, U. S. Army Post, Indio, California, on December 1, 1942, pursuant to authorization of the Civil Aeronautics Board.
Upon the basis of all the evidence accumulated during the investigation, the Board now makes its report in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended.
Summary and Analysis of Evidence
Air Carrier
At the time of the accident American Airlines, Inc., a Delaware corporation was operating as an air carrier under a 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 certification authorized it to engage in air transportation with respect to persons, property, and mail between various points including Burbank, California; Phoenix and Tuscon, Arizona; El Paso, Fort Worth, and Dallas, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Washington, D. C.; and New York, New York.
