Aviation Accident Report: Delta Air Lines Flight 8715/Supplemental Data
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Investigation and Depositions
The Civil Aeronautics Board was notified of this accident immediately after its occurrence at 0233 on January 13, 1963. Investigators were dispatched immediately to the scene to conduct an investigation in accordance with the provisions of Title VII of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended. Depositions were ordered by the Board and taken at the Hilton Inn, New Orleans, Louisiana, on February 4-5, 1963.
Air Carrier
Delta Air Lines, Inc., incorporated under the laws of the State of Louisiana, holds a current certificate of public convenience and necessity issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board to engage in the transportation of persons, property, and mail. It also possesses a valid air carrier operating certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Agency.
Flight Personnel
Captain Allen B. Olson, age 42, was employed by Delta Air Lines, Inc., on September 8, 1948, and had accumulated a total of 15,707 hours flight time of which 3,250 hours were in DC-6/7 type aircraft. He held currently effective airline transport certificate No. 3961-40 with numerous ratings, among which was the Douglas DC-7. His last line check in DC-7 was on April 3, 1962. His last proficiency check on November 16, 1962, was in a CV 440 aircraft. Records indicate he satisfactorily passed a first-class FAA flight physical on December 23, 1962, without waivers.
First Officer William T. Jeter, Jr., age 28, was employed by Delta Air Lines, Inc., on December 17, 1959, as a flight engineer and had accumulated a total of 2,979 hours as a pilot and 1,742 hours as a flight engineer. His flight time as a pilot in DC-6/7 aircraft was seven hours. He held currently effective commercial pilot certificate No. 1339294 with multiengine and instrument rating. He received his last proficiency check on January 9, 1963, which was his original qualification in DC-7 aircraft. Records indicate he satisfactorily passed an FAA first-class flight physical on October 22, 1962, without waivers.
Second Officer George H. Herbst, age 28, was employed by Delta Air Lines, Inc., on November 30, 1962, and had accumulated 3,720 hours flight time as a pilot, and 42 hours as a flight engineer, 29 of which were in DC-7 aircraft. He was rated by the company as a DC-7 flight engineer on December 4, 1962. He held currently effective FAA flight engineer certificate No. 1545108 and airline transport pilot certificate No. 1327484 with a rating for Constellation aircraft. He received his last proficiency flight check on November 30, 1962. Records indicate he satisfactorily passed an FAA first-class physical on December 14, 1962, without waivers.
Stewardess Elizabeth T. Reid was employed by Delta Air Lines on June 17, 1962. She completed training in fire fighting, emergency evacuation, ditching, and emergency procedures on DC-7 equipment on July 19, 1962. She satisfactorily passed her last company physical examination on November 13, 1962.
Stewardess Judy L. Clark was employed by Delta Air Lines on November 12, 1962. She completed training in fire fighting, emergency evacuation, ditching and emergency procedures on DC-7 equipment on December 13, 1962. She satisfactorily passed a company physical examination on November 12, 1962.
The Aircraft
N4875C, a Douglas DC-7, manufacturers serial No. 44579, owned and operated by Delta Air Lines, Inc., was manufactured November 16, 1954, and had a total flying time of 26,055:02 hours of which 2,294:00 hours had been accumulated since the last major inspection. The aircraft was powered by four Wright model 972TC18DA-2/4 engines with Hamilton Standard propellers model 34E60-345. Engine times were as follows:
| Engine Position | Time Since Overhaul | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,689.1 | 10,929.8 |
| 2 | 788.6 | 20,017.1 |
| 3 | 1,070.3 | 11,679.0 |
| 4 | 1,091.3 | 10,076.0 |