Air Mai Mystery 32xxxx 01 The Third Crack-up

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Air Mai Mystery 32xxxx 01 The Third Crack-up"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio. The time before television and the family all sat around the radio and listened to the shows of the time like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Air Mai Mystery 32xxxx 01 The Third Crack-up
• Release Date: January 16, 2025

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Overview

"Air Mai Mystery 32xxxx 01 The Third Crack-up" transports listeners back to the suspense-filled era of classic radio dramas. This episode unfolds the escalating crisis within TransAmerican Airlines as the company grapples with a series of mysterious plane disappearances. Tension mounts as suspicions of sabotage and insider betrayal surface, intertwining corporate pressures with governmental scrutiny.

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Crisis Unfolds at TransAmerican Airlines

The episode opens with Mr. Powers, a high-ranking official at TransAmerican Airlines, urgently coordinating a search for a missing pilot, Andrews, whose motor failed during a storm over Twin Peaks. As the situation intensifies, Mr. Powers communicates with his team to locate Andrews and ascertain any signs of foul play.

Mr. Powers (01:45): "No answer yet, huh? Try him again."

Despite multiple attempts, communication with Andrews remains futile, heightening the sense of urgency. Maisie and Fitzgerald, the support team, diligently work to gather information, reflecting the operational challenges faced during such crises.

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Investigations and Internal Tensions

As Mr. Powers delves deeper into the disappearance, he confronts Roby Fitzgerald, the newly appointed night mechanic responsible for aircraft maintenance. The revelation that three planes have been lost in three weeks, all under Fitzgerald's supervision, ignites suspicion and internal conflict.

Mr. Powers (05:17): "You're the man that's responsible for those ships, Fitzgerald. Three ships, $80,000 worth of airplanes in three weeks. All three on your shift out of your hangar. What's your explanation?"

Fitzgerald defends his maintenance records, claiming thorough inspections of the aircraft. However, Mr. Powers remains unconvinced, leading to Fitzgerald's abrupt termination.

Mr. Powers (05:59): "Why is it? I'll show this entire organization that I don't intend to put up with inefficiency around here."

This confrontation underscores the mounting pressure within the company and sets the stage for deeper investigations into the recurring plane losses.

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Government Intervention and Heightened Stakes

The plot thickens with the arrival of Irene Delroy from the Department of Justice. Delroy confronts Mr. Powers with alarming evidence linking the missing planes to deliberate sabotage involving stolen government securities.

Irene Delroy (08:34): "Your ship carried $30,000 in negotiable securities tonight."

She reveals a pattern of missing shipments and lost planes, suggesting a sophisticated ring of mail thieves targeting government assets. This revelation not only intensifies the mystery but also threatens TransAmerican's lucrative mail contracts with the government.

Irene Delroy (08:50): "You may draw your own conclusions, Mr. Power."

Mr. Powers, initially dismissive, faces mounting pressure as Delroy's evidence points towards a systemic issue that could jeopardize the company's future.

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Clash of Interests and Search for Solutions

In a high-stakes meeting, Mr. Powers gathers the company's directors to address the dire situation. He introduces Delroy, who articulates the government's suspicions of intentional sabotage aimed at pilfering valuable securities.

Irene Delroy (10:55): "The Department is not interested in your ships, Mr. Powers, unless your ships carry government mail."

The company's leadership, represented by Mr. Temple and others, demand explanations as the gravity of the situation becomes apparent. The directors grapple with the realization that internal vulnerabilities may be exploited by external criminal elements.

Mr. Temple (10:57): "On what does your department base its contentions?"

Delroy methodically outlines the evidence linking the plane losses to a calculated theft operation, further complicating the company's efforts to maintain operational integrity.

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Resolution and Ongoing Uncertainty

Amid the turmoil, an unexpected development occurs when Maisie informs Mr. Powers that Andrews has been found safe, having bailed out during the storm. This news provides a glimmer of hope but also leaves lingering questions about the true nature of the plane losses.

Maisie (12:30): "The State highway patrol over near Kingman that they just picked Andrews up on the highway. He's okay, sir. Bailed out."

Mr. Powers acknowledges the positive outcome but remains focused on unraveling the underlying conspiracy that threatens TransAmerican Airlines' stability.

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Key Takeaways

• Operational Crisis: TransAmerican Airlines faces a critical situation with the loss of three planes in three weeks, raising alarms about potential internal sabotage.

• Internal Conflict: The dismissal of the night mechanic, Fitzgerald, highlights tensions within the company as leadership seeks accountability for the disappearances.

• Government Scrutiny: Irene Delroy's intervention from the Department of Justice brings federal attention to the company's troubles, linking the plane losses to broader criminal activities involving government securities.

• Search for Truth: The discovery of pilot Andrews alive adds complexity to the narrative, indicating that not all missing persons are victims of mechanical failure or sabotage.

• Suspense and Intrigue: The episode masterfully blends corporate drama with suspenseful mystery, keeping listeners engaged as the characters navigate a web of deceit and danger.

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Notable Quotes

• Mr. Powers (05:59): "Why is it? I'll show this entire organization that I don't intend to put up with inefficiency around here."

• Irene Delroy (08:34): "Your ship carried $30,000 in negotiable securities tonight."

• Irene Delroy (10:55): "The Department is not interested in your ships, Mr. Powers, unless your ships carry government mail."

• Mr. Temple (10:57): "On what does your department base its contentions?"

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Conclusion

"The Third Crack-up" delves deep into the complexities of corporate management, internal accountability, and external threats. Through its engaging narrative and dynamic character interactions, the episode captures the essence of classic radio mysteries, offering listeners a riveting tale of suspense and intrigue that remains both timeless and relevant.

Transcript

[Mr. Powers]

No answer yet, huh? Try him again.

[Maisie]

Afraid it's no use, Mr.

[Mr. Powers]

Powers.

[Maisie]

We haven't heard a peep from him since he reported his motorcut.

[Mr. Powers]

I said try him again.

[Maisie]

Yes, sir. Metropolitan Airport to Andrews in 601. Metro calling Andrews in 601 1.

[Mr. Powers]

Go ahead.

[Maisie]

That's no use, sir. We can't get a word.

[Mr. Powers]

Get Summers in 6:30. Find out if he's seen anything yet. Yes, sir. Maisie.

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Get a A hangar. Find out who serviced Andrew's ship before it left and send them into my office. You got Summers?

[Maisie]

I'm trying now. Metropolitan to summers in six. Metro to summers in 6:30.

[Mr. Powers]

Go ahead.

[Summers]

Summers to Metro. Summers to Metro. Go ahead.

[Maisie]

I got him, Mr.

[Mr. Powers]

Powers. Good. Ask him if he's seen anything of Andrews.

[Maisie]

Metro to Summers. Chief wants to know, have you sighted Andy yet?

[Mr. Powers]

Go ahead.

[Summers]

Metro. Visibility up here very bad. Flying 3,500ft. Raining, very dark. Nothing yet.

[Mr. Powers]

Get his location.

[Maisie]

Metro. Metro, what is your position?

[Mr. Powers]

Go ahead.

[Summers]

Two minutes south. Twin Peak country very rough. Don't dare get much lower on Sentinel Hill from here. That's all.

[Mr. Powers]

Twin Peaks and Sentinel, huh? All right. Tell him to come on in. Get that mechanic, Maisie.

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, sir. She's on his way.

[Summers]

Mr. Power, get the directors of this.

[Mr. Powers]

Airline down to my office right away. Get them out of bed if you have to, but get them down. Send that mechanic to my office when he comes.

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, sir.

[Maisie]

Metropolitan to Summers. Chief says come on in. Don't take any chances. Here's the weather. Visibility about half mile. Ceiling 200ft. Surface wind 30 miles.

[Mr. Powers]

All right.

[Fitzgerald]

The mechanic is here, Mr. Powers.

[Mr. Powers]

Show him in. And get his service record out of the file. I want to see it.

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, sir. This way, please.

[Mr. Powers]

You're the night mechanic in a hangar?

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

What's your name?

[Roby]

Fitzgerald, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

New man, huh?

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Who hired you?

[Roby]

Roby, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Field operations manager. Huh? How long have you been with TransAmerican?

[Roby]

About three weeks, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Did you service Andrew's ship tonight before he started out?

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

How?

[Roby]

Well, I gave it the usual inspection, sir, just like always.

[Mr. Powers]

Did you check the mags?

[Roby]

Yes, sir. Why? What's happened?

[Mr. Powers]

I'll tell you what's happened. Andrews was bucking this storm over Twin Peaks when his motor cut on him. It's the last we've heard.

[Roby]

Motor cut?

[Mr. Powers]

That's what I said. He radioed that much to us, and that's all we've had from him. Gee, I guess you know that makes the third ship we've lost in three weeks.

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

And they're all out of a hangar. I guess you know that, too, don't you?

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

You're the man that's responsible for Those ships, Fitzgerald. Three ships, $80,000 worth of airplanes in three weeks. All three on your shift out of your hangar. What's your explanation?

[Roby]

Well, I don't know what to say, sir. I gave them all the standard inspection. Mags, switches, lines, tanks. Everything was all right, sir. They turned up when they left here.

[Mr. Powers]

Is that all?

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

All right. You're fired.

[Mr. Temple]

What, sir?

[Mr. Powers]

I said, you're fired.

[Roby]

Mr. Powers, don't you think that's just a bit hard?

[Mr. Powers]

Why is it? I'll show this entire organization that I don't intend to put up with inefficiency around here. Lord knows the aviation industry is having a hard enough time as it is. Transamerican is going ahead, and we can't do it by losing planes. That's all.

[Roby]

But, sir, how do you figure it was my fault?

[Mr. Powers]

I don't want to argue this matter with you, Fitzgerald. We've lost three ships out of your hangar in three weeks. The pilots all said the motor cut out on them. You were paid to see that the motors performed.

[Roby]

I did my best, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Your best wasn't enough. That's final.

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Tell Maisie to come in as you go.

[Roby]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

Anything from Andrews yet? Now get Roby out of bed. Tell him to call out all the men on the night shift. Give them cars. Tell them to scour the country this side of Twin Peaks. Andrews probably bailed out.

[Fitzgerald]

You wanted me, Mr. Powers?

[Mr. Powers]

How'd you figure that out? You got those directors on the phone?

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, Sir. All except Mr. Kirby. His phone didn't answer. They said they'd be right over.

[Mr. Powers]

Good. Summers is up looking for 601. Had him call in the minute he's down. Send him into my office.

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Powers]

That's all.

[Fitzgerald]

Yes, sir. There's a young lady outside to see you. She's been waiting.

[Mr. Powers]

A lady? What's she want?

[Fitzgerald]

She wouldn't say, Mr. Powers. Her name is Delroy.

[Mr. Powers]

Delroy? Well, send her in.

[Fitzgerald]

This way, please.

[Irene Delroy]

Mr. Powers?

[Mr. Powers]

Yes?

[Irene Delroy]

I am Irene Delroy.

[Mr. Powers]

Well, what about it? What do you want?

[Irene Delroy]

I want to Talk to you, Mr. Powers.

[Mr. Powers]

Sorry, Ms. Delroy. I'm very busy. Call for an appointment tomorrow.

[Irene Delroy]

I'm sorry to inconvenience you, but I want to talk to you tonight. It's business.

[Mr. Powers]

It's 10:45. I have an important meeting. You'll have to wait.

[Irene Delroy]

Sorry, Mr. Powers. I am sure your Board of directors won't mind waiting a few minutes when they find you're dealing with the government.

[Mr. Powers]

The government?

[Irene Delroy]

Yes. Mr. Powers, I'm from the Department of Justice. TransAmerican lost its third ship tonight.

[Mr. Powers]

How do you know that?

[Irene Delroy]

Details are out of place at this time. I want to know where this ship was last reported.

[Mr. Powers]

Well, just why should you or the Department of Justice be interested in our ships?

[Irene Delroy]

The Department is not interested in your ships, Mr. Powers, unless your ships carry government mail.

[Mr. Powers]

I see. Well, you have nothing to worry about. They'll find the mail and the wreckage.

[Irene Delroy]

I don't doubt that. But I rather doubt if you'll find the $30,000 in government securities which was included in the shipment.

[Mr. Powers]

What?

[Irene Delroy]

Your ship carried $30,000 in negotiable securities tonight.

[Mr. Powers]

You mean to say that.

[Irene Delroy]

I have said nothing other than that 8 days ago a similar ship. It was carried. Your ship crashed. The mail was recovered, but the shipment was missing.

[Mr. Powers]

Why was no report made to me at that time?

[Irene Delroy]

That has no bearing on this case. 21 days ago, you lost another plane. Included in the mail shipment was $5,000 in currency for an upstate bank. It was not in the mail when the wreckage was found.

[Mr. Powers]

You mean that our ships are being deliberately wrecked?

[Irene Delroy]

You may draw your own conclusions, Mr. Power.

[Mr. Powers]

No. That's number 630 coming in. Sent him to look for Andrews. I hardly know what to make of your story, Miss Delroy.

[Irene Delroy]

I rather expected it would surprise you.

[Fitzgerald]

Mr. Temple and the other gentlemen are here, Mr. Pollard.

[Mr. Powers]

Send them in. My directors. Miss Delroy, you'll remain?

[Irene Delroy]

Yes.

[Mr. Powers]

Good. I want them to hear your story. Good evening, Campbell. Mr. Hardy, Lewis. Come in, gentlemen.

[Mr. Temple]

What's the meaning of this, Powers? What's up? What's so all fired important that you have to get us out on a night like this?

[Mr. Powers]

Don't start spouting about the weather. I've had my hands full tonight. Gentlemen, Transamerican has lost another ship. I thought that'd bring you around. Now, find chairs and sit down.

[Mr. Temple]

What ship?

[Mr. Powers]

One of the new fast mails. Our latest low wing job.

[Mr. Temple]

Why, we just took delivery on that ship last month.

[Mr. Powers]

Why, we stand to lose $30,000.

[Maisie]

Why, my.

[Mr. Powers]

Not only that. Gentlemen, we stand to lose our mail contract with the government out of business.

[Mr. Temple]

Our contract? Powers, I demand an explanation.

[Mr. Powers]

Well, don't burst a blood vessel. You'll get it. You'll get all you want. I want you to meet Miss Delroy from the Department of Justice. It seems that they want an explanation, too. Miss Delroy, these are the Directors of the Transamerican Airlines. Tell them what you told me.

[Irene Delroy]

There's little to tell as yet, gentlemen. The department has reason to believe that your ships are being deliberately and very cleverly wrecked by a ring of mail thieves.

[Mr. Powers]

Why, that's not impossible.

[Mr. Temple]

On what does your department base its contentions?

[Irene Delroy]

On the fact that all three of the ships which your company has lost in the last three weeks carried government securities which were easily negotiable. And on the fact that all ships were lost within a radius of 1 mile of each other.

[Mr. Temple]

Where did we lose the fast mail tonight, Powers?

[Mr. Powers]

Somewhere between Twin Peaks and Signal Hill, according to Andrew's radio report.

[Irene Delroy]

You remember, gentlemen, that the other ships were lost at the same point.

[Mr. Temple]

Ms. Delroy is right. What did Andrews report?

[Mr. Powers]

Didn't have time to report much. Said his motor cut on him, that's all. He was in bad country. I suppose he bailed out. We haven't found him yet.

[Mr. Temple]

Say, Andrews was piloting those other ships when they cracked, wasn't he?

[Mr. Powers]

That's precisely why I called this meeting tonight, gentlemen. Andrews is our oldest pilot, possibly our best. I'm going to let him and every man connected with the dispatching of the eastbound planes go. I honestly believe the only way we can wipe out this thing is Mr. Clean House.

[Irene Delroy]

I hardly believe that will solve your troubles, Mr. Powers.

[Mr. Powers]

What do you mean?

[Irene Delroy]

Whoever is responsible for your troubles will not let trivial things stand in his way. If you want to see your ships carry through on schedule, you must cooperate with us to apprehend the criminal.

[Mr. Powers]

Well, how do you propose to go about it?

[Irene Delroy]

Well, I've made no decision along those lines as yet. I merely want you to assist in placing all information that we may need before us.

[Mr. Powers]

Well, certainly you'll find that we're.

[Maisie]

Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Powers.

[Mr. Powers]

Well, we just got a call from.

[Maisie]

The State highway patrol over near Kingman that they just picked Andrews up on the highway. He's okay, sir. Bailed out.

[Mr. Powers]

He's okay, huh? Well, tell him to bring him in. I presume we want to hear from him. Right, gentlemen. Sa.