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on May 25, 1955 and had accumulated 10,071 total flying-hours of which 1,296 hours were in this type aircraft. His FAA first-class medical certificate was issued May 5, 1965, with the limitation that the holder must wear.glasses while exercising the privileges of his airman certificate. Captain Lauber testified that, "I assume that I was_wearing the prescription sunglasses, because they werenlt recovered." His last proficiency check was accomplished on June 24, 1965. He had 10:37 hours rest in-the previous 24 hours.
First Officer James P. McClure, age 33, held commercial pilot certificate No. 1320819. He was hired‘on August 27, 1961,.and had 5,061 total flying hours of which 1,410 hours were in this type aircraft. His FAA first-class medical certificate was issued Hay 17, 1965, with no limitations. His last-proficiency check was conducted in a Martin 202 on May 3, 1965. The last proficiency check in a Convair was on September 24, 1964. In a letter dated April 7, 1964, he received company authorization to occupy the left seat during scheduled operations at the captain’s discretion. He had 19:00 hours rest in the previous 24 hours.
First Officer-Trainee Robert V. Leeman, age 30, held commercial pilot-certificate No. 1371151 and an FAA first-class medical certificate dated June 18, 1965, with no limitations. He was hired on July 21, 1965, and as a pilot-trainee, had no specific duties in connection with the operation of the flight.
Hostess Barbara A. Creske was hired on February 28, 1963. She completed her last recurrent training on May 27, 1965.
1.6 Aircraft Information
N8415H, a Convair 340 modified to 440 engine power_pack configuration, serial number 125, was manufactured October 14, 1953, and at the time of the accident had accumulated a total time of 26,266 hours. It was configured to accommodate 52 pass- engers, and had been maintained in accordance with FAA requirements.
The aircraft was equipped with two Pratt & Whitney R2800 CB 3 engines and Hamilton Standard Model 43E60 propellers. It was serviced with 100/130 octane fuel The-engines were installed as follows:
| Position | Serial No. | Time Since Overhaul | Total Time |
| 1 | 31269 | 1,666:08 | 18,361:42 |
| 2 | 33074 | 639:53 | 23,814:60 |
The takeoff gross weight was 45,155 pounds,-which was below the maximum allowable of 42,580 _pounds. The center of gravity (c.g.).was within limits. The reported weight in cargo compartment D was 550 pounds which was within the allowable range of 360 to 650 pounds.
1.7 Meteorological Information
The surface weather observation recorded by the U. S. Weather Bureau at 1513 was 4,000 feet scattered clouds, visibility 4 miles in haze, temperature 78°F, dew-Point 68° F, wind from 180 degrees 6 knots, altimeter setting 29.88.
The accident occurred in daylight.
