Jesse W. Lankford

“ After circling the school-house and losing altitude to about 50 feet above the ground, the pilot increased the speed of the engine and flew to a point about one and one-half mile North of the school and while still losing altitude, attempted a turn which should allow him to pass in front of the school again. Near the completion of this turn and while in a steep bank, the right wing touched the ground, throwing the plane out of control, killing the pilot and completely destroying the aircraft. ”

“ A study of the effect of the various changes made on the airplane indicated that it was decidedly nose-heavy and must have been extremely difficult, if not impossible, to properly control without the aid of the engine. A statement made by the pilot after the change to pontoons confirms this conclusion.
The exact cause of the engine failure cannot be determined. The temperature at the time was about 40° and the failure could have been due to the engine having become cool while standing on the lagoon or to ice or water condensate forming in the carburetor. ”

“ Having obtained this information, he proceeded to take off from the lagoon and when an altitude of approximately 50 feet had been reached, the engine was heard to stop and the airplane fell to the water out of control. Both occupants were killed instantly. ”