Military medical records of the pilot revealed a history of heart trouble and two instances of kidney disorder through 1953. During 1954 he was hospitalized for a neurotic depressive reaction, chronic, moderate, manifested by depression, loss of external interests, occasional suicidal ideation, and severe psychogenic constipation. After showing marked improvement he was discharged from the hospital. The investigation dis- closed no evidence to indicate the pilot had received medical treatment after 1955. It also revealed he had successfully passed second-class medical examinations between 1959 and 1965. (Records were not retained for the years prior to 1959.) Persons who knew the pilot did not indicate any observations of an unfavorable nature concerning his health. He was conSidered an energetic person. The copilot who flew with him on the first round trip flight on the day of the accident as well as on other occasions said Mr. Kelly was in excellent health and concerning the flight on the day of the acc1dent said ". . . Mr. Kelly appeared to be in good health and good spirits." Other witnesses who saw him shortly before the acc1dent flight said in effect he appeared to be his usual normal self.
Regarding the pilot's medical history, the professional analysis of an FAA flight surgeon at the public hearing was: "I suppose one would have to answer there is always a possibility of some medical incapacity. I find it a little difficult to project because most of the medical information . . . is some ten to twelve years old, and it seems apparent he was a pretty active pilot from that time up to the time of the accident, and while such incapacity could occur, it is a little difficult to accurately connect."
