Crash of a Laird LC-B in Mendota: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 7, 1926
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
NC10
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Minneapolis - Chicago
MSN:
155
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot named 'Partridge' was performing this first mail flight (route CAM-9) from Minneapolis to Chicago. This was the inaugural flight. Shortly after takeoff from Minneapolis-World Chamberlain Field, while climbing, the aircraft went out of control and crashed in Mendota, east of the airport. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed. As result of this accident, the traffic was suspended on the evening of 07JUN1926 and the service started again on 01OCT1926. The aircraft was owned by Charles Dickinson and piloted by Mr. Partridge.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.4 Twin in Mendota

Date & Time: Feb 18, 1921
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
124
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
Pilot Eversole jumped from the plane with parachute after takeoff from Minneapolis-Wold Chamberlain Field. The aircraft entered a dive and crashed in Mendota. The pilot was unhurt and the airplane was destroyed.
Probable cause:
Investigation proved that the pilot left the ship while it was flying in perfect condition.

Crash of a De Havilland DH.4 Twin in Mendota: 1 killed

Date & Time: Feb 3, 1921
Type of aircraft:
Operator:
Registration:
130
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
Yes
Schedule:
Minneapolis – Chicago
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
After takeoff from Minneapolis-Wold Chamberlain Field, while climbing to an altitude of 2,500 feet, the left engine failed. The pilot made a sharp turn when the airplane side slipped and went into a nose dive. It crashed in Mendota, about 4 km east of the airfield. One occupant was killed and the second was injured. The accident occurred 10 minutes after takeoff.
Probable cause:
Failure of the left engine after takeoff.