SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Investigation and Hearing
The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of this accident through its Oakland, California, office at 1000, October 29, 1953, and immediately initiated investigation pursuant to the provisions of Section 702 (a)(2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended. A public hearing was ordered by the Board and was held at Alameda, California, on November 17 and 18, 1953.
Air Carrier
The carrier is an Australian corporation incorporated in the state of New South Wales. Prior to April 25, 1948, the operations of this corporation were conducted under contract by another operator, Australian National Airways Pty. Limited. Service to the United States was inaugurated September 1946, and conducted under United States Permit to Foreign Carriers issued by CAB Docket Nos. 2688 and 2777. The carrier conducted scheduled service three times weekly to the San Francisco Airport. The subject flight for this service was BP 304/44.
Flight Personnel
Captain B. M. Dickson, age 34, was employed by the British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines, March 30, 1948. He currently held a first-class air transport pilot license with first instrument rating issued by Department of Civil Aviation, Commonwealth of Australia. The captain's total time was 10,696 hours of which 4,136 hours were in type equipment involved and 3,624 were instrument hours. Last physical was given Captain Dickson August 27, 1953.
First Officer F. A. Campbell, age 28, was employed April 26, 1949, by this carrier and he currently held a third-class air transport pilot license with a second instrument rating and second-class telephone license. These were issued by the Department of Civil Aviation, Commonwealth of Australia. This pilot's total time was 4,782 hours of which 3,896 hours were in DC-6's and 1,462 hours were instrument. This officer completed his last physical October 13, 1953.
Navigation Officer G. R. Murtagh, age 28, was employed January 22, 1951, and currently held an Australian Flight Navigators License. This officer had an aggregate of 2,917 hours, 2,482 hours were in the type equipment involved.
Radio Officer V. A. Walker, age 32, held a current Australian first-class Telegraph License and P. M. G. first class. This officer was employed October 15, 1950, and his total flying time as a Flight Radio Officer was 5,645 hours of which 2,645 were in the type equipment involved.
Flight Engineer Officer C. N. Cattanach, age 31, employed since April 12, 1948, by British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines, currently held a Department of Civil Aviation Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License. He held licenses Divisions A, C. and D. Total time for this officer was 3,118 hours, all in type aircraft.
Purser W. Knight, age 34, had a total time as purser of 1,008 hours and had worked for this carrier since January 9, 1951.
