Chicago – Detroit
Flight / Schedule
Chicago – Detroit
Aircraft
Lockheed 5 VegaRegistration
NC8497
MSN
154
Year of Manufacture
1930
Operator
Braniff AirwaysDate
July 12, 1931 at 12:00 AM
Type
CRASHFlight Type
Postal (mail)
Flight Phase
Takeoff (climb)
Crash Site
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Crash Location
Chicago Illinois
Region
North America • United States of America
Coordinates
41.8756°, -87.6244°
Crash Cause
Technical failure
Narrative Report
On July 12, 1931 at 12:00 AM, Chicago – Detroit experienced a crash involving Lockheed 5 Vega, operated by Braniff Airways, with the event recorded near Chicago Illinois.
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, 2 fatalities were recorded, 0 survivors were identified or estimated. This corresponds to an estimated fatality rate of 100.0%.
Crew on board: 2, crew fatalities: 2, passengers on board: 0, passenger fatalities: 0, other fatalities: 0.
The listed crash cause is technical failure. After takeoff from Chicago Airport, while climbing to a height of 700 feet, the engine failed. The crew elected to return and initiated a turn to the right when the airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and both crew members were killed.
Aircraft reference details include registration NC8497, MSN 154, year of manufacture 1930.
Geospatial coordinates for this crash are approximately 41.8756°, -87.6244°.
Fatalities
Total
2
Crew
2
Passengers
0
Other
0
Crash Summary
After takeoff from Chicago Airport, while climbing to a height of 700 feet, the engine failed. The crew elected to return and initiated a turn to the right when the airplane stalled and crashed, bursting into flames. The aircraft was destroyed and both crew members were killed.
Cause: Technical failure
Occupants & Outcome
Crew On Board
2
Passengers On Board
0
Estimated Survivors
0
Fatality Rate
100.0%
Known people on board: 2
Operational Details
Schedule / Flight
Chicago – Detroit
Operator
Braniff AirwaysFlight 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
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