Hull, Massachusetts – August 5, 1919
On August 5, 1919, two aircraft were performing a mock air battle over Nantasket Beach before a crowd of spectators. (Nantasket Beach is in the town of Hull, Massachusetts.)
One aircraft was piloted by Wesley L. Smith, the other by Mark C. Hogue. Both men had served as pilots in the U.S. Army Air Service during World War I.
At one point during the “battle”, Smith’s plane went into an uncontrolled spin and crashed into the water not far from shore. The plane received considerable damage, but Smith was only slightly hurt, and was rescued by several beach goers.
Source:
The Oklahoma City Times, “Aerial Battle Ends In Fall Of Plane”, August 5, 1919
