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ends. Similar wire particles were found imedded in the seat belt of one of the right triple seats. Similar wire particles were also found imbedded in the floor covering.
A small piece of brass was removed from the left forearm just below the elbow. This piece, approximately 1/32 inch thick, 1/8 inch wide, and 1/8 inch long, was curved at one end and broken at a bend at the other end.
A lifejacket found at Kure Beach was found to have zipper teeth imbedded in it, and was penetrated by fragments of flesh-colored rubber and blue nylon fibers similar to those composing the airline zipper-type flight bags. Black deposits on this lifejacket were found to contain nitrate residues.
Black crusty particles removed from the right hand were found to be manganese dioxide, a substance found in dry cell batteries. Manganese dioxide was also found on the underside of one of the right triple seats and on various parts of the airplane.
Analysis
The Aircraft
The examination of the aircraft wreckage disclosed no evidence of any malfunction or failure of the aircraft, its powerplants, propellers, or systems prior to the detonation of dynamite in the passenger cabin.
The review of the aircraft records and the maintenance and overhaul records showed that all work was properly accomplished and adequately supervised.
Human Factors
The finding of the body of one of the passengers some 16 miles from the main wreckage area, where all the other bodies were recovered, was considered significant in that it clearly showed that some type of cabin failure had occurred early in the sequence of events. Also, the examination of the fuselage in close detail indicated that the forces which caused the cabin wall failure emanated from within. The examination of Mr. Frank's body showed that the injuries sustained were significant in nature as they were not of the type normally associated with an aircraft accident. The existence of an explosive force in close proximity to this passenger is indicated by the avulsion injuries noted, the traumatic amputation of the lower extremities, and the fragmentation of muscle tissue manifested by tears on a longitudinal direction and loss of much skin, and the splinters of bone found in random directions to the main shaft of the fingers of the right hand. In addition, the numerous particles of metal, fiber, cloth, wire, and other objects found in the body tissue could only have resulted from the detonation of an explosive in close proximity to this passenger. Medical experts with extensive experience with battle field "land-mine injuries" and other injuries resulting from explosives indicate that the injuries sustained by the body found at Snow's Marsh could only have been caused by an explosive blast.
Weather
Analysis of the weather existing prior to and at the time of the accident clearly indicates that weather was not a factor in this accident.
