Hudson, New Hampshire – June 17, 1928

     At 11:18 a.m. on June 17, 1928, an American Eagle aircraft with a pilot and two passengers aboard took off from Ferryall Field in Hudson.  Just after becoming airborne, while at an altitude of approximately 75 feet, the airplane suddenly caught fire in flight.  The pilot noticed the flames and attempted to bank at which time the plane dove to the ground and exploded in an area of ploughed ground adjacent to the flying field.  

     The two passengers, a 43-year-old man, and a 22-year-old woman, perished in the blaze, but the pilot managed to escape, but was seriously burned.  He was transported to Nashua Memorial Hospital where he eventually recovered.   

     Prior to the accident the aircraft had undergone some unspecified repairs after which it was taken up for a 25 minute test flight and appeared to be working perfectly. 

     Sources:

     The Nashua Telegraph, “Mr. Theriault And Miss Thomas Are Victims When Plane Catches Fire”, June 18, 1928, pg. 1.

     The Nashua Telegraph, “Accident Unavoidable Chief Finds”, June 18, 1928, pg 1.

     The Nashua Telegraph, “Pilot’s Own Story Of Accident”, June 18, 1928, pg. 1.