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          AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION 
                  INTERNATIONAL 
FROM F. Harold Bennett              PLACE: Chicago
TO: David L.Behnoke                 DATE: October 12,1948 
ATTENTION                           REFERENCE 
SUBJECT RE:CAN SAFTY BOARD HEARING OF COLONIAL CRASH OF 9-20-48CAPTAIN RICHARD W. BURKE.

Dear Mr. Behnecke

As requested, the writer attended this Hearing which began at 9 o'clock on the morning of Thursday, October 7th, and ended at 8 o'clock p.m. on Friday, October 8th. ALPA members presented were: Captain Gitt, Captain Richard Burke and Co-Pilot Edward Nowak, both in the crash, Captain William J. Dunn, NEA and his Co-Pilot Charles Liemban witnesses. 

Without going into great dental, both the pilot and the Co-Pilot had admitted in writing prior to the Hearing that the approach which ended in the crash was "somewhat high and somewhat fast". This, together with other evidence along the same line, may result in a decision which will not be entirely in favor to the pilot, notwithstanding that Captain Gitt and myself, together with the other ALPA members who were witnesses, did what was possible to lay the blame upon the condition of the runaway and the ineffectiveness of the brakes. 

Whatever conclusion the Safety board may come to it appeared to the writer that the pilot has the full corporation of the company and the relationship is good. I may be wrong, but I personally do not anticipate violation will be filed, or that the company will refuse to put Captain Burke back to work. I will keep you  informed as the matter further comes to my attention. 

                                                                                                  Very truly yours, 
                              AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION 
                                     /s/ F.Harold Bennett
                                         F.Harold Bennett 
                           Grievance & Conciliation Dept. 
FHB/ab