- 6 -
The crew of Flight 293 were line crew members regularly employed by Northwest Airlines who were selected on the basis of seniority and aircraft qualifications. All crew members were certificated, qualified and experienced in the operation of the DC—7 aircraft over the route from McChord AFB to Elmendorf AFB. Training records indicated that the flight crew and cabin attendants were currently qualified in emergency procedures and search and rescue training.
All aircraft maintenance records reviewed indicated that the aircraft and powerplants were maintained in accordance with FAA approved Northwest Airlines directives and procedures. The records did not reveal the existence of any unairworthy items or conditions on the aircraft's departure from McChord AFB.
The history of the installed propellers showed that they had been maintained in accordance with existing FAA approved procedures and directives.
A review of the historical records of the superchargers and power recovery turbines revealed no outstanding discrepancies and indicated that they had been maintained in accordance with pertinent directives and procedures.
Flight 293 was operating under the provisions of a contract between Northwest Airlines, Inc., and the United States Air Force as represented by the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). This contract required that the carrier operate all flights under the Civil Air Regulations that apply to scheduled air carrier operation within the United States, or those engaged in over—water flight, whichever was appropriate. The contract also required Northwest Airlines to maintain this aircraft in accordance with the Civil Air Regulations that pertained to the maintenance of Northwest aircraft engaged in scheduled passenger service. The contract was let by negotiation after MATS had solicited bids and investigated the operation of the companies who submitted bids. The contract was originally let for one year as of July 1, 1961, with an option for two yearly renewals. A MATS representative testified that MATS was satisfied with Northwest's performance and the option to renew had been exercised by the Air Force for the second time, effective July 1, 1963.
Record checks were performed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Air Force, United States Army, and the United States Coast Guard of the personnel aboard the aircraft. These checks revealed no significant information.
Laboratory analysis of fuel samples taken from the truck that serviced N 290 showed that the fuel met the specifications for aviation fuel.
Analysis
Available aircraft records and witness testimony indicate that the aircraft was airworthy and that there were no outstanding discrepancies at the time of departure from McChord Air Force Base. The crew was qualified, certificated, properly briefed, and prepared for the flight. The preflight activities of the crew, dispatcher, and maintenance personnel were satisfactory and the record indicates that all required actions were performed. The aircraft was properly equipped for this flight and the gross weight and c.g. were within limits.
The flight was normal and without reported incident until after the crew transmitted the Domestic Annette position report and requested a change in altitude. The requested change of altitude could have been motivated by either a desire to get out of an area of turbulence and icing or for passenger convenience during the serving of meals. The meals ordinarily would have been ready to be
