Douglas, Massachusetts – August 17, 1924

     On the afternoon of August 17, 1924, Lieutenant H. I. Wells, was piloting an army stunt plane over Beacon Park in Webster when the engine suddenly stopped as oil sprayed from it onto the wings of his bi-plane.  Thousands of spectators were on the ground watching the exhibition at the time.  Choosing not to ditch in the lake bordering the park, he opted to make an emergency landing in an open field near the East Douglas Cemetery.  He landed safely, and repairs were attempted to the engine, but it still wouldn’t start, so the wings were removed and the plane was taken away by trucks. 

      Source: Webster Evening Times, (Ma.), “Aviator Has Close Call From Serious Accident”, August 18, 1924