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it was serviced with fuel[1] more than sufficient for its destination and alternate airport. Mr. David Cummings, the mechanic on duty, performed the usual service inspection of the airplane. Mr. Cummings, an experienced mechanic, is the holder of an airplane and engine mechanic certificate issued by the Civil Aeronautics Administration. He had been employed by American as a mechanic for 11 years and was personally acquainted with Captain Cooper. In fact, on this night, as well as others, they chatted for a few minutes while the airplane was being inspected. Mr. Cummings said that the captain was normal in all respects. During the time that the airplane was on the ground neither the captain nor the first officer reported that the airplane or its equipment was not functioning satisfactorily. Mr. Cummings' inspection of the aircraft also indicated that it was airworthy prior to departure.
The passengers who left the aircraft at Buffalo, as well as those waiting to go on board, were in personal contact with American's personnel at the ticket counter. The personnel at the ticket counter reported that this part of the operation was routine and that the conduct of the passengers was entirely normal. This evidence is supported by the testimony of a Buffalo police officer who was on duty at the airport terminal at the time. He stated that he observed the incoming and outgoing passengers and that there was nothing unusual in their attitude and conduct.
Investigation was also made as to the baggage and express on board the airplane at the time the accident occurred and the manner in which it was loaded. Only American's personnel are permitted to load the airplane. Furthermore, the distribution of mail, baggage and express that was loaded at Buffalo was directed by First Officer Owens, whose duty it was to remain on board the aircraft and supervise the loading thereof. All the baggage loaded on the aircraft at Buffalo was placed in the forward baggage compartment adjacent to the pilot's cockpit. This placing of the load at Buffalo was in conformity with the loading chart computed by American's personnel at Buffalo and approved by Captain Cooper. There was nothing about the baggage or express that caused the loading personnel to become suspicious or concerned.
The Board having concluded that Flight 1 was dispatched from New York City in accordance with proper procedure, the question arises as to whether the flight was properly dispatched from Buffalo. Investigation disclosed that it was. In fact, the evidence clearly shows that the flight superintendent performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner. He had made a study of the weather conditions existing over the route between Buffalo and Chicago and his decision to clear the flight only as far as Detroit was consistent with safe operating procedures and demonstrated good judgment on his behalf. Although the United States Weather Bureau forecasts and company forecasts and the weather reports submitted by the captains of Flights 4 and 41 indicated that the weather conditions were satisfactory for operation between Buffalo and Detroit, the flight superintendent nevertheless held Flight 1 at Buffalo until the latest weather sequence reports could be checked. Since these reports showed that the weather was conducive to safe operation as far as Detroit, with Toledo as the alternate airport, Flight 1 was cleared to take off. Captain Cooper had also made a study of the weather reports while at Buffalo and he too was in agreement with the flight superintendent that the weather was satisfactory between Buffalo and Detroit and that the flight should not be cleared beyond that point unless the weather improved.
- ↑ A test of the gasoline in the truck used to service the airplane was made subsequent to the accident for any water content. A few drops were found in 1250 gallons of gasoline, including that found in the water trips, sumps, etc. This would not be sufficient to affect the efficiency of the operation of the engines.
