44

Shortly after takeoff from Heller Field, while climbing, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed. The passenger was killed and the pilot was seriously injured. It was reported that the passenger was unauthorized on this flight.

Flight / Schedule

44

Aircraft

Curtiss JN-4

Registration

44

Date

April 11, 1920 at 12:00 AM

Type

CRASH

Flight Type

Postal (mail)

Flight Phase

Takeoff (climb)

Crash Site

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Crash Location

Heller Field (Newark) New Jersey

Region

North America • United States of America

Narrative Report

On April 11, 1920 at 12:00 AM, 44 experienced a crash involving Curtiss JN-4, operated by U.S. Air Mail Service, with the event recorded near Heller Field (Newark) New Jersey.

The flight was categorized as postal (mail) and the reported phase was takeoff (climb) at a airport (less than 10 km from airport) crash site.

2 people were known to be on board, 1 fatalities were recorded, 1 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 50.0%.

Crew on board: 1, crew fatalities: 0, passengers on board: 1, passenger fatalities: 1, other fatalities: 0.

Shortly after takeoff from Heller Field, while climbing, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed. The passenger was killed and the pilot was seriously injured. It was reported that the passenger was unauthorized on this flight.

Aircraft reference details include registration 44.

Fatalities

Total

1

Crew

0

Passengers

1

Other

0

Crash Summary

Shortly after takeoff from Heller Field, while climbing, the pilot lost control of the airplane that entered a dive and crashed. The passenger was killed and the pilot was seriously injured. It was reported that the passenger was unauthorized on this flight.

Occupants & Outcome

Crew On Board

1

Passengers On Board

1

Estimated Survivors

1

Fatality Rate

50.0%

Known people on board: 2

Operational Details

Flight Type

Postal (mail)

Flight Phase

Takeoff (climb)

Crash Site

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Region / Country

North America • United States of America

Aircraft Details

Aircraft

Curtiss JN-4

Registration

44