Quaker City Airways

Beechcraft E18

Just after liftoff, while in initial climb, the left wing detached. Out of control, the airplane crashed in a huge explosion and was destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Boeing 307 Stratoliner

Parked since few months on a regional airport, the aircraft was recently purchased by a new owner who wanted to know the exact consumption of oil and fuel. A test flight was scheduled with two test pilots. To be able to perform a longer flight, additional fuel tanks were installed in the cabin. While cruising at a relative low altitude, the crew informed ATC that a fire erupted in the cabin and elected to make an emergency landing. The airplane crash landed in flames in a field located 15 miles from Madras and came to rest. While both pilots were able to evacuate with no injury, the aircraft was destroyed by fire.