CONDUCT OF INVESTIGATION
An accident involving aircraft NC 13359 occurred in the vicinity of Charleston, West Virginia, on April 16, 1941, about 4:33 p.m. (EST), while the aircraft was operating in scheduled air carrier service between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as Trip 143 of Pennsylvania-Central Airlines Corporation.[1] The accident resulted in the destruction of the airplane, serious injuries to one member of the crew and two passengers, and minor injuries to one member of the crew and the other four passengers. One member of the crew escaped injury.
The Washington office of the Civil Aeronautics Board[2] was officially notified of the accident about 5:30 p.m. the same day, and was informed at this time that there had apparently been a failure of the right engine of the aircraft. Immediately after receiving this notification the Board initiated an investigation of the accident in accordance with the provisions of Section 702 (a)(2) of the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, as amended. Investigators were sent to the scene of the accident and arrived there about noon on the day following the accident.
Inspection and Preservation of Wreckage
The wreckage was guarded by the captain and first officer until about 5:45 p.m. on April 16, at which time West Virginia State Police
