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removed to American's hangar, where a constant guard was maintained over the wreckage until the aircraft was released.
A thorough and complete examination was made of all parts of the aircraft, engine and propellers by representatives of the Board. At the termination of the hearing on March 20, 1941, the aircraft was released to American.
Public Hearing
In connection with the investigation of the accident a public hearing was held at Cincinnati, Ohio, beginning March 18 and continuing through March 20, 1941. G. Grant Mason, Jr., one of the five members of the Board, was designated by the Board to preside at the hearing. He was assisted by Henry L. Knight, Attorney of the Board, who acted as Associate Examiner; Jerome Lederer, Director of the Safety Bureau of the Board; Frank E. Caldwell, Chief of the Investigation Division of the Safety Bureau; James H. Douglas, Assistant to the Chief of the Investigation Division of the Safety Bureau; Paul A. Gareau, Air Safety Specialist in Meteorology of the Safety Bureau; and William K. Andrews, Chief of the Investigation Section of the Safety Bureau.
All of the evidence available to the Board at the time was presented at the hearing. Testimony was given by 31 witnesses and a total of 38 exhibits were received in evidence. One letter and eight depositions of the nine passengers were read into the record at the hearing.
While the Examiners and the representative of the Safety
