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It was revealed during the course of the investigation that, while PCA required in the use of Douglas DC-3 airplanes a definite established cockpit procedure by which the captain and first officer checked with each other the setting of various navigation instruments and the operation of the cockpit controls, no such procedure was required by the company in the use of its Boeing Model 247D airplanes. A "check list" was not used by Captain Wright and First Officer Riley prior to and during the take-off at Charleston. Although the record does not indicate that this failure to use a "check list" had any bearing on the accident, such failure might well contribute to accidents of a similar nature in the future.
CONCLUSIONS
We find upon all the evidence available to the Board at this time that the facts relating to the accident involving aircraft of United States registry NC 13359 which occurred near Charleston, West Virginia, on April 16, 1941, were as follows:
- The accident, which occurred at approximately 4:33 p.m. (EST) on April 16, 1941, to PCA Trip 143 of that date, resulted in the destruction of the aircraft, 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.
- At the time of the accident PCA held a certificate of public convenience and necessity and an air carrier operating certificate, authorizing it to conduct the flight.
