Part 3/9:
The crew on board consisted of seasoned professionals. The captain had logged approximately 15,300 flight hours, including nearly 2,000 hours on the Boeing 727. He was supported by a first officer with 3,500 hours of overall experience—600 on the same type of aircraft—and a flight engineer with a similar background. At departure, the crew completed standard pre-flight checks and preparations, setting the stage for what was presumed to be a routine flight.