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On the flight in question the crew consisted of Captain Herbert Susott, First Officer Earl Philipps, and Flight Stewardess Ruth Arnestad.
Captain Susott, age 34, had accumulated a total of 7,798 hours of flying time, of which 3,407 hours and 48 minutes were in Douglas DC-3 type airplanes, and about 460 hours by instruments. His last physical examination required by the Civil Air Regulations was taken on July 5, 1940, and showed him to be in a satisfactory physical condition. Captain Susott, in accordance with company policy, had been given refresher flight checks from time to time which included the operation of DC-3 airplanes and instrument procedures over the Chicago-Fort Worth route. The results of these tests, as shown by company records indicated that he was a well qualified and proficient pilot. The records also showed that Captain Susott had been employed by American Airlines and its predecessors since October 6, 1929, and had operated over the route involved since May 18, 1940. He has had no previous accident during the period of this employment.
First Officer Phillips, age 26, had accumulated at the time of the accident 1,155 hours of flying time, of which 385 hours and 36 minutes were in Douglas DC-3 type airplanes, and about 90 hours by instruments. His last physical examination required by the Civil Air Regulations was taken on November 10, 1940, and
