Douglas DC-3 equipment. In his capacity as chief pilot, he had conducted a series of flight tests on DC-3's, and was regarded as an authority on the flying characteristics of this type of aircraft. Shank had a total instrument time of approximately 1063 hours. His last physical examination required by the Civil Air Regulations was taken on March 2, 1942. His rest period prior to departure from Minneapolis on May 12, 1942, was approximately 7 days.
First Officer Donald H. Nygren, aged 21, held a commercial pilot certificate with a single-engine landplane 0–80 h.p. rating. He had been employed by Northwest since April 8, 1942, and had a total of approximately 437 hours flying time, about 77 hours of which were with Northwest on DC-3 equipment. His last physical examination required by the Civil Air Regulations was on May 5, 1942. His rest period prior to departure from Minneapolis was approximately 4½ days.
It appears from the evidence that both Captain Shank and First Officer Nygren were physically qualified and held proper certificates of competency for the flight involved.
Phyllis Hallum, stewardess, and the third member of the crew, had been employed by Northwest for about eight and one-half months.
History of the Flight
Northwest's Trip 1 of May 12, 1942, originated at Chicago, Illinois, with Seattle, Washington, as its destination. Several intermediate stops were scheduled, the first of which was Minneapolis, Minnesota. The trip was delayed one hour and eight minutes at Chicago due to connections, mail and cargo handling. It departed from Chicago at 5:08 a.m. (CWT)
