by the Civil Aeronautics Board

“ The weight of the aircraft, as estimated by company personnel, was approximately 18,500 lbs. (nearly 900 lbs. in excess of the allowable weight) and the disposable weight had been arranged by the company agent to give an estimated satisfactory center of gravity position. Except for generator trouble, the flight progressed uneventfully in contact weather with arrival at Washington at 1030 where a normal landing was made. ”

“ He had flown about 3,115 hours of which some 65 hours had been for Page Airways in the aircraft involved. Decker was employed by Page Airways on April 3, 1945. He had a diversified aeronautical background including about two years as co-pilot on a scheduled air carrier and one and one-half years as a test pilot for an aircraft manufacturer just prior to going with Page Airways.
Copilot Sanford, age 30, held a currently effective commercial pilot certificate with ratings for single-engine land airplanes up to 340 h.p., instrument and flight instructor. ”

“ It appeared that the Army overhauls and the subsequent maintenance of the engines had not been up to usual commercial standards, as evidenced by the fact that the valve mechanism assemblies throughout both engines were not uniform in assembly or parts. ”

“ There were there possibilities which the pilot could have tried: - continue flight on one engine, land with wheels up or land with wheels down. He elected to do the latter. [5] First contact with the ground was made at a speed and in an attitude which prevented the maintenance of continuous ground contact with a resultant loss of braking. ”

“ PAGE AIRWAYS, INC. — WASHINGTON — APRIL 27, 1945 [1]
Summary
Power interruption during a take-off climb induced a forced landing resulting in death to six passengers and injury to five others and to the crew of two at the National Airport, Washington, D. C., at approximately 1240 EWT on April 27, 1945. The aircraft was completely destroyed by impact and resultant fire. ”