Chamberlin Flying Service

Curtiss T-18 Condor I

Shortly after takeoff, in initial climb, the left engine failed. The crew decided to return to Troy Airport but during last turn, just passing over a small hill, the aircraft lost altitude rapidly, struck one tree and swung into another before dropping to the ground. It burst into flames immediately. All six occupants were seriously injured and the aircraft was destroyed by impact forces and post crash fire. The captain died few hours later resulting from his injuries. It appears the aircraft was carrying two couples and was originally planned as a sky wedding flight over New York City. The captain killed in the accident was Harry Hublitz, aged 42. The famous ace feminine pilot Ruth Nichols was among the passengers and was seriously injured.