20th Century

1948 — May 9, US Navy PBY-6A Catalina Plane Lost, San Juan, PR to Key West, FL–    12

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 26, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–12  Aviation Safety Network. USN PBY-6A Catalina lost at sea San Juan to Key West, 5-9-1948.

–12  Bluefield Daily Telegraph, WV. “Hope Dims…Fliers…Missing Navy PBY…” 5-14-1948.

–12  Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “On Missing Plane.” 5-14-1948, p. 8.

–12  El Paso Herald-Post, TX. “Sight Wreckage of Navy Plane with 12 Aboard.” 5-11-1948, 10.

–12  Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA. “Bahamas Combed for Navy Plane.” 5-13-1948, p. 1.

–12  Morning Avalanche, Lubbock, TX. “Signals Heard…Army Search Plane.” 5-12-1948, p. 1.

–12  San Mateo Times, CA. “Flying Boat With 12 Aboard Lost.” 5-10-1948, p. 1.

–11  Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (60010 to 70187). 5-2-2011 revis.

Narrative Information

Baugher: “Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina….64015 lost at sea May 9, 1948 on flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico. 11 missing.” (Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (60010 to 70187). 5-2-2011 revision.)

Newspapers

May 10: “Miami, Fla., May 10 – (AP) – The coast guard said today that a navy PBY flying boat with 12 men aboard has been missing since about 2 a. m. (EST) Sunday [May 9] somewhere between Puerto Rico and Cuba. An air search [is] being directed by the U. S. navy base at Guantanamo bay, Cuba, the coast guard said. The plane was en route from Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, to Key West, Fla.” (San Mateo Times, CA. “Flying Boat With 12 Aboard Lost.” 5-10-1948, p. 1.)

May 11: “By International News Service. Tampa, Fla., May 11. – An Army flying boat from MacDill Field, Fla., was dispatched early today to investigate the wreckage of a Navy twin-engined amphibian with 12 persons aboard that apparently crashed Sunday while flying from Puerto Rico to Key West. A B-29, one of a large air fleet searching for the missing craft, reported to MacDill officers yesterday that the wreckage was seen 100 miles southeast of Miami. The Navy flying boat carried six crew members and six passengers, including a Wave officer. The amphibian had been missing in a flight from Roosevelt Roads Naval Base, Puerto Rico, to the Key West Naval Air Station.” (El Paso Herald-Post, TX. “Sight Wreckage of Navy Plane with 12 Aboard.” 5-11-1948, p. 10.)

May 12: “Tampa, Fla., May 11. (INS) — An Army search plane, one of a huge aerial armada combing the Caribbean for a missing navy plane with 12 persons aboard today picked up a steady radio signal on 500 kilocycles, the international distress frequency. The search craft — an Army OA-10 amphibian — reported to its MacDill field base at Tampa that the radio direction finder indicated the signal came from the vicinity of Cape Romano, 90 miles southeast of Key West, Fla. Crewmen on the Army craft immediately began tracing the distress signal in an attempt to locate the transmitter. The Navy plane disappeared Sunday while en route from Puerto Rico, to Key West.” (Morning Avalanche, Lubbock, TX. “Signals Heard in Caribbean Area by Army Search Plane.” 5-12-1948, p.1.)

May 13: “Tampa, Fla., May 13 (AP) – Plane wreckage in the Bahamian Islands was being checked today in a search for a missing Navy amphibian. Two Navy planes were sent to the Long Island area in the Bahamas where a British official reported finding a wing float and several smaller pieces of a plane which had drifted ashore. The missing Navy ship had 12 persons aboard when it disappeared on a flight from Puerto Rico to Key West, Fla. It was last heard from at 2 a. m. Sunday.” (Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA. “Bahamas Combed for Navy Plane.” 5-13-1948, p1.)

 May 13, AP: “Tampa, Fla., May 13. (AP) – Hope dimmed rapidly tonight that a Wave officer and 11 others on a missing navy plane ever will be found alive. The fifth air rescue squadron at MacDill field here said several clues indicated the plane which disappeared Sunday on a run from Puerto Rico to Key West was destroyed. This outfit which has combed 144,000 square miles of water along the possible route said it would call off its search at midnight unless some new search angle developed.” (Bluefield Daily Telegraph, WV. “Hope Dims for Fliers, Wave in Missing Navy PBY Plane.” 5-14-1948, 10.)

May 14: “The Navy Department has revealed that Lt. Comdr. Helen Marie Coen…, Saginaw, Mich., is aboard the patrol seaplane missing in the Caribbean for several days. Eleven men are aboard the missing craft in addition to the Wave officer. It was reported lost halfway between Puerto Rico and Key West, Fla., while engaged in a routine operational flight. (International).”  (Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “On Missing Plane.” 5-14-1948, p. 8.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1948. US Navy Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina lost at sea San Juan, PR to Key West, FL, 5-9-1948. Accessed 9-26-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19480509-1

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (60010 to 70187). May 2, 2011 revision.  Accessed at:  http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries7.html

 

Bluefield Daily Telegraph, WV. “Hope Dims for Fliers, Wave in Missing Navy PBY Plane.” 5-14-1948, 10. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=138596105

Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “On Missing Plane.” 5-14-1948, p. 8. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=34056886

El Paso Herald-Post, TX. “Sight Wreckage of Navy Plane with 12 Aboard.” 5-11-1948, p. 10. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=90455523

Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA. “Bahamas Combed for Navy Plane.” 5-13-1948, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=46507456

Morning Avalanche, Lubbock, TX. “Signals Heard in Caribbean Area by Army Search Plane.” 5-12-1948, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=107908380

San Mateo Times, CA. “Flying Boat With 12 Aboard Lost.” 5-10-1948, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=37289867

 

 

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1948 — Apr 15, Pan Am 1-10 hits rock wall on Shannon AP approach, Ireland –19US of 30

–30  AP. “Iowan Among 30 Killed in Airplane Crash…” Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque, IA. 4-15-1948, p1.

–30  Aviation Safety Network. Pan Am World Airways approach crash Shannon AP, 4-15-1948.

–30  Civil Aeronautics Board. AIR. Pan American Air…Shannon, Eire – April 14, 1948 1948, p1.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1948 (Pan AM 1-10):

“Date:                          Thursday 15 April 1948

“Time:                         02:34

“Type:                         Lockheed L-049-51-26 Constellation

“Operator:                   Pan American World Airways (Pan Am)

“Registration:              NC88858

“MSN:                         2058

….

“Crew:                         Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 10

“Passengers:                Fatalities: 20 / Occupants: 21

“Total:                         Fatalities: 30 ? Occupants: 31

….

“Location:                   0.7 km (O.4 mls) NE of Shannon Airport…Ireland

“Phase:                        Approach (APR)

….

“Flight number:           1-10

Civil Aeronautics Board. Accident Investigation Report. Pan American Airways:

“The Accident

“A Pan American Airways’ Lockheed Constellation, aircraft NC-88858, Flight 1-10, en route from London, to Shannon, Eire, crashed near the Shannon Airport at 0234, April 15, 1948. Twenty passengers, including one infant, and 10 crew members were fatally injured. One passenger escaped with minor injuries. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact and fire.

“History of the Flight

“Pan American’s Flight 1-10, originating in San Francisco, California, April 10, 1948, was scheduled to fly around the world to New York, New York. In accordance with company practice the flight changed to a different aircraft, NC-8885, at the Pan American Airways’ base in Calcutta, India. The flight took off from Calcutta, April 13, 1948, and continued without incident via Damascus, Syria, and Istanbul, Turkey, to Brussels, Belgium. During a night landing approach at Brussels the fluorescent lighting on the left or pilot side of the cockpit went out. Since the only other lighting immediately available was a chart light which was focused on the automatic direction finder indicator, the flight instruments could not be read, and the remainder of the landing approach was accomplished without visual reference to the flight instruments.

 

“An examination was made of the fluorescent lights after the landing. They appeared to operate normally, so the flight departed from Brussels, continuing without difficulty until on the final landing approach into London. When the power was reduced the same pilot’s fluorescent lights again went out. This time the chart light was focused on the airspeed indicator. The approach was continued, and the landing was accomplished without incident.

“A faulty rheostat switch was found to be the cause of the fluorescent light failure, but since a spare switch could not be located, it was not changed at London. An entry describing the defect was placed in the aircraft’s Form C, the airplane flight log, and the captain and the flight engineer of the new crew were informed by the company’s maintenance supervisor of the condition. Though no actual maintenance was accomplished, the lights again appeared to be operating normally, so the captain, F. C. Jakel, decided to take-off, departing from London at 0035, April 15, 1948, for Shannon. At this time available weather forecasts indicated that at the estimated time of the flight’s arrival at Shannon the ceiling there would be 700 feet with a higher cloud layer at 1,000 feet, and visibility 4 miles.

“At 0159, April 15, 1948, the flight reported being at an altitude of 4,500 feet, contact, over the Limerick Junction fan marker, located 25 statute miles southeast from the Shannon Airport, and requested permission to make a practice approach to the field with the use of the instrument landing system. Shannon Tower cleared the flight for this approach. The tower advised that 3 hours previously the instrument landing system equipment on the airport had been reported faulty, but that it had since been serviced and was operating normally according to its monitoring board, though not flight-checked.

“At 0210, the flight reported that it was proceeding to the outer marker, 5.2 statute miles northeast of the Shannon Airport, and also made a report, routine for Pan American flights, ‘mechanical condition okay.’ In response Shannon Tower advised the flight that the weather over the field was ‘fog patches, 3 miles visibility, cloud base 400 feet, sky 6/10 covered, wind from 325 degrees at 4 miles per hour.’ The flight was instructed to land on runway 23, the runway for which the instrument landing system was projected. It was also requested to report when making the 180 degree procedure turn for the in-bound instrument approach to the field, and when over the outer marker. The requested position reports were not received by the tower, but at 0220 the flight did report a ‘missed approach,’[1] and advised that it was going around for a second approach. At this time the flight was observed through a break in the clouds by the Shannon Tower, which was the first time that the aircraft had been seen in the vicinity of the Shannon Airport. The aircraft was reported as 500 feet above the ground, over, and in line with runway 23. Power was heard being increased, and the aircraft was observed turning left.

“On the second approach, 1t 0227, the flight reported making its 180 degree procedure turn and was cleared for landing by the tower….The flight reported approaching the outer marker at 0231 at which time the tower advised that another flight which had just taken off had reported a ceiling of 500 feet when northwest of the field. Flight 1-10 acknowledged this information, which was the last communication received. The aircraft was not observed at any time during the second approach until after it struck the ground.

“The aircraft struck the ground 2,380 feet northeast of the approach end of runway 23, and directly in line with that runway. Flames followed immediately after impact, and consumed a great portion of the wreckage.

“The sole survivor, a representative of the Lockheed Aircraft Service, Inc., seated in the cabin at a location slightly behind the trailing edge of the right wing, stated that on the first approach all engines seemed to be operating normally, and no unusual maneuvering of the aircraft was experienced. He stated that he did not observe the runway lights and other field lighting until the aircraft was directly over the field. The altitude of the aircraft appeared too high to him for the landing, and he heard power being applied to the engines for the ‘pull up.’

“According to this passenger, the engines seemed to be operating normally also during the second approach. The ‘fasten seat belt – no smoking’ sign was on. He heard the flaps extend, and observed that the flight attitude was normal. He stated that the first contact with the ground felt as though the airplane had made a hard landing on the runway. Immediately following, however, severe jolts were felt, and flames swept through the cabin from the forward part of the fuselage. He then realized that the airplane had crashed. He had been thrown forward in his seat but was saved from injury by his safety belt. When the aircraft stopped, he noticed that though filled with flames the cabin remained substantially undamaged, and that all passengers were in their seats, but made no sound or movement. He said that he did not believe himself physically or mentally capable of opening any of the emergency exits, so he crawled toward the rear of the cabin, and dropped through a large tear in the fuselage to the ground.

“Investigation

“The aircraft first struck a stone fence, which collapsed the nose and left main landing gear, and tore the right main landing gear from its mounting. All four engines were also torn from the aircraft during the course of the crash, and came to rest slightly forward of the main wreckage which was 1,780 feet northeast of the end of runway 23. The empennage, broken into three sections, was scattered around the fuselage and wings….

“Runway 23 at Shannon Airport, for which the instrument landing system was projected, is 7,000 feet long and 220 feet wide. Though the Bartow lights on the runway were on at the time of the accident, the installation of Bartow approach lights to the runway had not been completed and were not operating. Terrain northeast of runway 23 consists of low rocky hills, covered with brush, trees, and stone fences. Elevation at the point of impact was 12 feet above runway 23….

“Discussion

“In view of the surviving passenger’s testimony, it appears highly improbable that any mechanical difficulty, other than the possible failure of the pilot’s fluorescent lights, occurred in the operation of the aircraft prior to the time of impact….

“The instrument landing system was found to be operating normally when flight checked….

“The only explanation of this accident that appears reasonable, considering all known circumstances, is that the aircraft was flown too low in the approach for landing. It is apparent that the airplane would not have struck the ground short of the runway had the flight been able to establish clear visual reference to the field, or had the flight not descended below the minimum approach altitude of 415 in the execution of its second instrument approach. Accordingly, it must be concluded that the airplane was flown below the minimum approach altitude when no clear visual reference to the field existed….

“Had the aircraft been flown ‘on instruments’ below the minimum approach altitude, and had the pilot’s fluorescent lights then failed, the captain would have been in the highly critical situation of being close to the ground without any means of flight orientation. On the other hand, had the fluorescent lights failed prior to the time that the flight reached its minimum approach altitude, there should have been sufficient time and altitude to allow the captain and co-pilot to accommodate themselves to the emergency….

“Probable Cause

“The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the continuation of an instrument approach to an altitude insufficient to clear the terrain.

“A contributing factor may have been the failure of the pilot’s instrument fluorescent light.”

Newspaper

April 15, AP: “Shannon Airport, Eire – (AP) – The ‘Empress of the Skies,’ a Pan-American World Airways Constellation, crashed coming in for a landing here Thursday and 30 persons, including 19 Americans, died in the blazing wreckage. Among the dead was Miss Bernadine Marie Feller, the stewardess, who was born in Victor, Ia., in 1924. She was a graduate of the University of Iowa and joined Pan-American in 1946.

“”Marc Worst, 38, of Burbank, Calif., was the sole survivor. He said the force of the crash threw him out through the baggage compartment. His wife, waiting at the airport to meet him, witnessed the tragedy. Worst is manager of Lockheed Aviation corporation’s base at Shannon. Lockheed builds the Constellations, four-engined craft costing about $1,000,000 each.

“There was no immediate explanation concerning the cause of the crash. Basil Warnock, American overseas airlines stationmaster at Shannon, said weather observers reported three-mile visibility at the time of the crash – 2:34 a.m. GMT…Other sources said the ceiling was about 400 feet.

“Worst told reporters: ‘We had come around once and we were making our second approach when the crash occurred. Up to this everything appeared to be normal. I was slung out through the baggage compartment but I was only slightly injured on the right hand.’

“The crash occurred as the big plane came in for a second try at Shannon’s main air strip. Witnesses said it apparently hit an obstruction, skidded along the ground for a ways and then burst into flames. The wreckage burned more than three hours….” (Associated Press. “Iowan Among 30 Killed in Airplane Crash in Ireland.” The Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque, IA. 4-15-1948, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Iowan Among 30 Killed in Airplane Crash in Ireland.” The Telegraph-Herald, Dubuque, IA. 4-15-1948, p. 1. Accessed 9-30-2023 at:

https://newspaperarchive.com/dubuque-telegraph-herald-apr-15-1948-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1948. Pan American World Airways approach crash Shannon Airport, Ireland, 15 April 1948. Accessed 9-30-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19480415-0

Civil Aeronautics Board. Accident Investigation Report. Pan American Airways, Inc., – Shannon, Eire, – April 14, 1948 (SA-169; File No. 1-0034). Washington DC: CAB, June 24, 1948. Accessed 9-30-2023 at:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiRw4Kno9OBAxXwGFkFHS9PBjgQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Frosap.ntl.bts.gov%2Fview%2Fdot%2F33338%2Fdot_33338_DS1.pdf&usg=AOvVaw1tMdNKhQ-TcmpgcM-ccfKl&opi=89978449

[1] CAB footnote 2: “This phrase is used in all cases when the pilot wishes to advise the tower that the aircraft will not land but will circle for a second landing approach.”

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1948 — March 27, car turns in front of  truck, collide in heavy fog, near Kalamazoo, MI–  6

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 19, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–6  News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “US-12 Crash Kills Six…Heavy Fog…” 3-27-1948, 1.

–6  UP. “Collision Kills Six in Michigan.” Kenosha Evening News, WI, 3-27-1948, p. 1.

Narrative Information

March 27, News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI: “Kalamazoo, March 27 – Three men and three women were killed in a truck-automobile collision on a fog-shrouded highway near here early today….

“The car and truck collided shortly after 4 a.m. in the fog on US-12 four miles west of here. The truck and its driver, Ralph Eicholtz of route 2, Hastings, escaped practically unscratched.

“Police said first indications were that the driver of the auto became confused at the US-12 cutoff and turned directly into the path of the truck. It hit the auto square in the side.

“The truck was bound from Battle Creek to Gary, Ind.

“Deputy Sheriffs said the impact of the collision wedged the truck and the auto together so tightly two wreckers were required to pull them apart.

“Five of the victims were dead when taken from the wreckage and the sixth died while en-route to Bronson hospital in an ambulance…” (News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “US-12 Crash Kills Six…Three Couples Lose Lives in Smashup; Heavy Fog Blamed.” 3-27-1948, p. 1.)

March 27, UP: “ Kalamazoo, Mich. — (UP) — Six persons were killed today in a head-on auto-truck collision during a heavy fog five miles west of here. Five of the dead were identified as Winfred Douglas, 26, and his wife, of Battle Creek, Mich; Allen G. Williams, 26, and his wife, Maeydol Williams, 23, of Rockford, Ill., and Sherman Leo Douglass, 36, of Battle Creek. The sixth person was believed to be Miss Audrey Dunsworth of Battle Creek.

“Police said the car in which the six were riding was traveling east when the driver became confused at a cut-ff. The car turned into the path of a truck…[truck driver] was not injured.” (United Press. “Collision Kills Six in Michigan.” Kenosha Evening News, WI, 3-27-1948, p. 1.)

Sources

News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, MI. “US-12 Crash Kills Six…Three Couples Lose Lives in Smashup; Heavy Fog Blamed.” 3-27-1948, p. 1. Accessed 9-19-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/benton-harbor-news-palladium-mar-27-1948-p-1/

United Press. “Collision Kills Six in Michigan.” Kenosha Evening News, WI, 3-27-1948, p. 1. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/kenosha-evening-news-mar-27-1948-p-1/?tag

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1948 — March 26, tornadoes, Clay/Putnam/Hendricks (esp. Coatesville)/Madison counties, IN–20

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 23, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–20  Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 936.

–20  United Press. “State Storm Toll.” Pharos Tribune, Logansport, IN 3-27-1948, p.1.

–20  UP. “Tornado Kills [20] in [IN];…Coatesville Demolished.” Pharos Tribune, Logansport, IN 3-27-1948, p.1.

–19  Logansport Press, IN. “Blast Rivals Rail Wreck as Worst State Disaster.” 11-2-1963, 5.[1]

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “IN       MAR 26, 1948 1710 19k 200inj 800y 40m F4. CLAY/PUTNAM/HENDRICKS -What was probably a family of tornadoes moved NE from south of Prairie City, killing a woman in her home, SE of “Asherville.” About 40 farms were torn apart across Putnam County. The funnel was a half mile wide as it crossed into Hendricks County and engulfed Coatesville, a town of 500 people. About 80% of the buildings in the town were damaged or destroyed. Fourteen people were killed and 150 were injured. Damage in the town totaled over $2,000,000. One other person died north of Amo, two were killed at the south edge of Hadley, and two more at Danville. Over 50 farms were torn apart. One Coatesville death was from a heart attack. $3,000,000.

“IN  MAR 26, 1948 1900 lk 3inj …F2.  MADISON–An elderly man was killed and three other people were injured on a farm 4m N of Fortville.”  (Grazulis 1993, p. 936.)

Newspaper

March 27, UP: “Coatesville, Ind., March 27. – (UP) – Rescue parties dug out 14 bodies and searched for more today in the wake of a tornado which cut a roadway of destruction in this little town of 500 last night.

“Tornadoes struck in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Alabama, claiming 26 lives. Twenty were killed in Coatesville, Hadley, Asherville, Fortville, and Danville, Ind. Another three died in Illinois.

“The twister carved a 200-yard-wide path through Coatesville and left death, injuries, and piles of debris in its wake. Red Cross disaster unites, police, doctors,  and volunteers converged on the scene to give aid. State Police Capt. Kermic Lewis took command of the rescue operations. He ordered 75 prisoners from the Indiana State Penal Farm to help in the search. He requested medical students at the University of Indiana to come to the scene. He said he feared many victims still may be trapped in the wreckage of their homes. ‘And if they are trapped,’ he said, ‘I’m afraid some may die of exposure. This rain and cold won’t do them any good.’ Eighteen searching parties fanned out over the county to dig out any persons trapped in the debris.

“A Red Cross first aid station was set up immediately. Soon after, a mobile Red Cross canteen swung into town and began serving meals to the homeless.

“Witnesses said the destruction was ‘terrific.’ Monice Bergess, 23, was pinned with her mother in the ruins of her house. ‘Somehow we clawed our way out,’ she said. ‘I got a broken arm but mother was only bruised.’ A car was flattened and wrapped around a tree. The owner said it was parked 50 feet away before the tornado.

“Rescuers dug through the shambles of one house because someone said a woman had drowned in the water-filled basement. They found no body immediately but the woman’s dog stood guard by the front porch.

“Two married couples were among the dead in Coatesville. Another was a farmer, Victor Wise, 40, who suffered a fatal heart attack just after the storm passed. Two others identified tentatively by state police, were Harry Rumley, 22, and Janice Coffey, 16.

“At Coatesville, Dr. John Ellett treated an endless stream of storm victims throughout the night. Three members of his family were among the dead.

“Two charred bodies were found in the smoking ruins of an apartment house that burned after the tornado ripped it apart. State police identified the bodies tentatively as those of Harry Rumley, 22, and Janice Coffey, 16, who reported engaged to be married. Surviving townspeople said it was Janice’s birthday and that Rumley was seen to enter the apartment a few minutes before the tornado hit.

“Two were killed at Hadley and another man, Guy Beck was reported missing and presumed dead. Mrs. Ralph Dierdoff, 36, was killed at Asherville, and Donald Howard, 13, was listed as dead in Danville. Albert Whetzel, 87, died at Fortville.

“At Pariss, Ill., a mother and two sons were killed when the car in which they were riding skidded into a stuck during a rain and hail storm following the tornado. Dead were Mrs. Erma Gresham, 37, and her sons, Foster, 10, and Victor Ray, 2½….” (United Press “Tornado Kills Twenty in Indiana; Town of Coatesville Demolished.” Pharos Tribune, Logansport, IN 3-27-1948, p.1.)

March 27, UP: “Coatesville, Ind., March 27. – (UP) – List of dead in the Indiana tornado:

“At Coatesville;

Wayne Beaman, 29.

Wayne Pursell, 37, and his wife, Muriel, 37.

Frank Ellett, 60, his wife, Lottie, 58, and their grandson, Richard Ellett, 7.

Ms. Julia Lawrence, 35

Russell White, 3.

Harry Britton, 27, Crawfordsville.

Perry Knight, 36.

Frank Grimes, 40.

Victor Wise.

Two unidentified persons.

“At Hadley:

Harley F. Hartsaw.

Grace Hadley.

Guy Beck, missing and considered dead.

“At Asherville:

            Mrs. Ralph Dierdoff, 36.

“At Danville:

            Donald Howard, 12.

“At Fortville:

            Albert Whetzel, 87.

(United Press. “State Storm Toll.” Pharos Tribune, Logansport, IN 3-27-1948, p.1.)

Sources

Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993, 1,326 pages.

Logansport Press, IN. “Blast Rivals Rail Wreck as Worst State Disaster.” 11-2-1963, 5. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=84400396

United Press. “State Storm Toll.” Pharos Tribune, Logansport, IN 3-27-1948, p.1. Accessed 9-26-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-mar-27-1948-p-1/

 United Press “Tornado Kills Twenty in Indiana; Town of Coatesville Demolished.” Pharos Tribune, Logansport, IN 3-27-1948, 1. Accessed 9-26-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-mar-27-1948-p-1/

[1] Reference, though, is made just to the Coatesville tornado.

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1948 — March 25, OK Tornado, especially farm homes near Wetumka and Lenna, OK–  13

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 27, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13  AP. “13 Perish in State Tornado.” The Daily Ardmoreite, Ardmore, OK, 3-26-1948, p. 1.

            –1  Eufaula area

–3  Lenna area

–2  McClanahan Mountain community near Sallisaw

–7  Wetumka area

–13  NWS, Norman OK Weather Forecast Office. Hughes County, OK Tornadoes (1875-Present).

–10  Grazulis.  Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 504, pp. 935-936.

–2  Farmhouse near touchdown in Hughes County (locality not noted)

–3  Lenna area

–5  Wetumka area

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “OK  MAR 25, 1948 2030 10k 25inj 600y f45m F4.  HUGHES/MCINTOSH—Moved ENE from 2m N of Holdenville to near Lenna. Soon after the touchdown, two people were killed in a farmhouse that was leveled. A half dozen farms were destroyed as the funnel passed just south of Wetumka. About 5m E of Wetumka, a farm house was hit by the barn. The house collapsed, caught fire, and five occupants were burned to death. In McIntosh County, at least five farms were destroyed, and three people died in two separate homes at Lenna. Among them were a recently married couple, reportedly carried for a half-mile to their death. $200,000….” (Grazulis.  Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 504, pp. 935-936.)

 National Weather Service, NOAA, Norman OK Weather Forecast Office, Hughes County:

“03/25/1948…2030 CST…120 [length in miles]…1760 [path width in yards]…13 [killed]…44 [injured]…Hughes/ Mcintosh/ Muskogee/ Sequoyah [counties]…5 W Dustin – near Porum – 5 S Webbers Falls – 4 S Vian – NE of Sallisaw – AR? [Path].”

 Newspaper

 March 26, AP: “Oklahoma City, March 26. – (AP) – At least 13 persons were killed by a tornado which skipped across central and eastern Oklahoma last night. The storm hit mainly in farm communities. No big city was struck. The twister dipped near Wetumka, 75 miles east of Oklahoma City; near Eufaula, 40 miles east of Wetumka; Boynton, near Muskogee; Checotah, near Eufaula and Sallisaw, near the Arkansas border.

“The Oklahoma highway patrol listed seven dead near Wetumka; one near Eufaula; three at the farm community of Lenna near Checotah, and two at McClanahan Mountain community three miles north of Sallisaw, which is 20 miles west of Fort Smith, Ark.

“The tornado first was reported at Tinker Field, Oklahoma City, about 6 p.m. Eighty four planes were destroyed or damaged there by the twister. It moved gradually eastward, finally hitting Sallisaw, near the Arkansas border about 11 p.m.

“Listed as dead were:

Mrs. Woodrow Stringfellow and her three-weeks-old baby.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Harris and their three daughters, all killed near Wetumka.

Donald Shropshire, 17, Eufaula.

Ola Rogers, 34, and Commodore Rogers, 77, McClanahan Mountain community.

Three dead at Lenna, Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Cox and David Hardin, 1½-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hardin who were taken to a Muskogee hospital.

“Mrs. Stringfellow and her baby were killed when their home about three miles south of Wetumka was flattened by the storm. Her husband suffered a broken shoulder and leg injuries and was taken to a Holdenville hospital. The Stringfellows’ 6-year-old daughter was found soon after the storm in a nearby field. She was unhurt but her clothes had been torn off.

“The five Harris victims were burned to death in a fire which followed the storm. Travis Watson, Wetumka postmaster, said a barn was blown into the Harris home near Wetumka and apparently a stove in the house overturned, setting the structure ablaze. Another daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harris suffered severe burns and was taken to a Holdenville hospital.

“Wetumka has a population of about 2700. Eufaula’s population is about 2300.

“The search was continuing for additional storm victims. Howard Nix, University of Oklahoma student, said at Wetumka an estimated 10 injured persons had been found from the Wetumka area and were taken to a Holdenville hospital….” (Associated Press. “13 Perish in State Tornado. Twister Strikes Wetumka, Checotah, Eufaula as Well as Boynton and Sallisaw.” The Daily Ardmoreite, Ardmore, OK, 3-26-1948, p. 1.)

 Sources

 Associated Press. “13 Perish in State Tornado. Twister Strikes Wetumka, Checotah, Eufaula as Well as Boynton and Sallisaw.” The Daily Ardmoreite, Ardmore, OK, 3-26-1948, p. 1. Accessed 9-27-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ardmore-daily-ardmoreite-mar-26-1948-p-1/

 Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993, 1,326 pages.

National Weather Service, NOAA, Norman OK Weather Forecast Office. Hughes County, OK Tornadoes (1875-Present). Accessed 9-27-2023 at:

https://www.weather.gov/oun/tornadodata-county-ok-hughes

 

 

 

 

 

Text content

1948 — March 23, Fire, Ward’s Rest/Convalescent Home for elderly, north Omaha, NE– 8

–8  Associated Press. “8th Fire Victim.” Beatrice Daily Sun, NE, 3-28-1918, p. 8.

–8  NFPA. “Multiple-Death Fires in Nursing Homes & Homes for the Aged, 1921-1978 (list).”

 

Narrative Information

 

March 23: “Omaha, March 23 (AP) — Fire swept through a rest home here early today taking the lives of five elderly persons. The spokesman said ages and addresses of the victims were not immediately available. Identification was handicapped because the casualties were all in night clothes. Seven other persons were also hospitalized, part of them in critical condition.

 

“Firemen said the fire apparently began in a small ante-room on the first floor and scorched several rooms on that floor before sweeping up the staircase.” (Associated Press. “Five Persons Are Victims of Blaze.” Beatrice Daily Sun, NE, 3-23-1948, p. 2.)

 

March 23: “Omaha, March 23 (AP) — Five persons died in a fire which swept through an old people’s rest home here early today. Three others were critically hurt, and four were in less serious condition. Several escaped by kicking out windows in the two-story structure.

 

“The dead: Rudolph G. Bierman, 92;[1] Frank H. Welty, 87; Eugene Sullivan, 74;[2] Harry Wacker,[3] 76; and Thomas G. Ward, 50, owner of the rest home. The critically injured were Thomas M. Bell, 85; William A. King, 74; Mrs. Thomas G. Ward, 55.

 

“Fire Chief Ben Meister and Ed Hayduk, arson squad head, said it seemed as if there may have been two or three separate blazes. They began in investigation.

 

“Known as Ward’s Rest Home, the structure in north Omaha is a remodeled former private home.

 

“The main fire apparently began in a small anteroom off the first-floor entrance, firemen said. The fire scorched several first-floor rooms and swept upstairs.” (Associated Press. “5 Die in Omaha Rest Home Blaze.” Creston News Advertiser, IA, 3-23-1948, p. 1.)

 

March 24: “Omaha, Neb. — (AP) — The sixth victim of Tuesday’s rest home fire here died early Wednesday. She was Mrs. Katherine Ward, 55, wife of the owner of the home….Two elderly men were still in critical condition Wednesday with injuries received in the fire.

“Meanwhile, Arson Squad Head Edward Hayduk said the fire may have started in an upholstered chair on the first floor. He said investigators believe the flames swept into the upper part of the convalescent home when doors upstairs were opened.” (Associated Press. “Sixth Victim Dies in Rest Home Fire.” Waterloo Daily Courier, IA, 3-24-1948, p. 2,)

 

March 25: “The Omaha rest home in which six persons lost their lives as result of a fire was crowded beyond the limits of its license, the United Press said. State Assistance Director Neil Vandemoer told the news service Wednesday [March 24] that the home was licensed to house eight persons. At the time of the fire Tuesday morning, it contained ten patients, as well as the two operators. ‘If the home contained more than eight persons, it was in violation of its license to house old age clients,’ Vandemoer said. The home was approved, he said, after being inspected to ascertain the maximum number of persons it could contain and meet health regulations. Some homes in the state have been closed for permitting over-crowded conditions, Vandemoer said.” (Lincoln Nebraska State Journal. “Rest Home Where Fatal Blaze Occurred Crowded Over Permit.” 3-25-1948, p. 18.)

 

March 27: “Omaha, March 27 (AP) — Thomas M. Bell, 85, of Omaha, died in a hospital here last night, boosting to eight the deaths resulting from a fire at the ward rest home her last Tuesday. It set a new record death toll for Omaha fires. Seven firemen lost their lives when fire destroyed the Millard Hotel Feb. 8, 1933.” (Associated Press. “8th Fire Victim.” Beatrice Daily Sun, NE, 3-28-1918, p. 8.)

 

Sources

 

Associated Press. “5 Die in Omaha Rest Home Blaze.” Creston News Advertiser, IA, 3-23-1948, p. 1. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/creston-news-advertiser-mar-23-1948-p-1/?tag

 

Associated Press. “8th Fire Victim.” Beatrice Daily Sun, NE, 3-28-1918, p. 8.

 

Associated Press. “Five Lives Lost in Rest-Home Fire.” Billings Gazette, MT, 3-24-1948, p. 6. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/billings-gazette-mar-24-1948-p-6/?tag

 

Associated Press. “Five Persons Are Victims of Blaze.” Beatrice Daily Sun, NE, 3-23-1948, p. 2. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/beatrice-daily-sun-mar-23-1948-p-2/?tag

 

Associated Press. “Sixth Victim Dies in Rest Home Fire.” Waterloo Daily Courier, IA, 3-24-1948, p. 2. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/waterloo-daily-courier-mar-24-1948-p-2/?tag

 

Creston News Advertiser, IA. “Former Resident is Omaha Fire Victim.” 3-26-1948, p. 1. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/creston-news-advertiser-mar-26-1948-p-1/?tag

 

Lincoln Nebraska State Journal. “Rest Home Where Fatal Blaze Occurred Crowded Over Permit.” 3-25-1948, p. 18. Accessed 7-2-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-mar-25-1948-p-18/?tag

 

National Fire Protection Association. “Multiple-Death Fires in Nursing Homes & Homes for the Aged, 1921-1978 (list).” In: United States United States Congress, House of Representatives. Boarding Home Fires: The Tip of the Iceberg (Hearing before the Subcommittee on Health and Long Term Care, Select Committee on Aging, 96th Congress, First Session, April 25, 1979). Washington, DC, U.S. Government Printing Office, 1979, pp. 312-314.

[1] Another account has last name as Burman. AP. “Five Lives Lost in…Fire.” Billings Gazette, MT, 3-24-1948, p. 6.

[2] Age noted elsewhere as 75. Creston News Advertiser, IA. “Former Resident is Omaha Fire Victim.” 3-26-1948, p1.

[3] Or Wackter. (AP. “Five Lives Lost in Rest-Home Fire.” Billings Gazette, MT, 3-24-1948, p. 6.)

 

1948 — March 19, Tornadoes, MO/4, KY/2, OH/4, IL/33, especially Bunker Hill/19 — 43

–43 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 935.

Illinois (33)
–33 Madison County to Macoupin County, 6:30 am F4. Grazulis 1993, p. 935.
— 9 Fosterburg, Madison County.
–19 Bunker Hill, Macoupin County.
— 5 Gillespie, Macoupin County.

Kentucky ( 2)
— 2 Bracken County, 8 miles from Brookville, 2:00 pm F2. Grazulis 1993, p. 935.

Missouri ( 4)
— 4 Washington County to St. Francois County 6:15 am F4. Grazulis 1993, p. 935.

Ohio ( 4)
— 3 Van Wert, Allen, and Putnam counties, F2, Grazulis 1993, p. 935.
–2 Landeck, Allen County.
–1 Vaughnsville area (3 miles north of).
— 1 Coshocton County 6 pm, F3. (one mile south of Mohawk). Grazulis 1993, p. 935.

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “OH MAR 19, 1948 3k 17in…32m F2. VAN WERT/ALLEN/PUTNAM–Skipped ENE from Ohio City, to Landeck, to near Columbus Grove. Damage at an Ohio City cannery totaled $250,000. Two altar boys were killed in the destruction of the Catholic church at Landeck. The steeple fell into the church after the walls were torn away. One man died in the destruction of a barn 3m N of Vaughnsville. A later touchdown may have destroyed a 1000-foot-long barn, 2m E of Wayne in Wood County, killing thousands of ducks….

“MO MAR 19, 1948 0615 4k 38inj 400y 25m F4. WASHINGTON/ST.FRANCOIS—Moved NE from 5m SW of Belgrade, through that town, destroying at least eight homes. The deaths occurred there. In rural areas NE of Belgrade, farm animals were killed, homes and barns were torn apart, and furniture was “scattered for miles.” Another 50 homes were damaged or destroyed in the northern part of Bonne Terre, where 18 people were injured. $400,000.

“IL MAR 19, 1948 0630 33k 449inj 400y 28m F4. MADISON/MACOUPIN–Moved NE in the early morning from Alton, passing through and devastating the towns of Fosterburg (nine dead), Bunker Hill (19 dead), and Gillespie (five dead). The tornado destroyed 45 homes in Fosterburg, about half of the village. About 2000 buildings, or 80% of the town of Bunker Hill, was damaged or destroyed. About 250 homes were destroyed. Another 150 homes were damaged or destroyed at Gillespie. $3,600,000….

“KY MAR 19, 1948 1400 2k O inj 400y 10m F2. BRACKEN – A woman and her son were killed as a barn was leveled 8m from Brookville. $15,000….

“OH MAR 19, 1948 1800 lk 2inj 50y 5m F3. COSHOCTON – A farm was nearly leveled and a man was killed lm S of Mohawk, as this tornado moved NE from SW of Mohawk to near Warsaw. A small tornado may have been responsible for eight injuries in a school near Sandusky.” (Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 935.)

Sources

Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VT: The Tornado Project of Environmental Films, July 1993. 1,326 pages.

Schmidlin, Thomas W. and Jeanne Appelhans Schmidlin. Thunder in the Heartland: A Chronicle of Outstanding Weather Events in Ohio. Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 1996.

State Journal Register, Springfield, IL. “Tornado blew away Bunker Hill 62 years ago.” 3-19-2010. Accessed 3-11-2020 at: https://www.sj-r.com/article/20100319/NEWS/303199899

1948 – March 18, USAF B-29 landing crash in dense fog, MacDill Field near Tampa, FL–10

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 27, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–10  AP. “10 Dead, 4 Injured in B-29 Landing Accident at Tampa.” Panama City News-Herald, FL. 3-18-1948, p1.

–10  Aviation Safety Network. USAF B-29 crash on runway and fire, Tampa FL, 18 March 1948

–10  NFPA. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the NFPA, V42, N3, Jan 1949, p. 196.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database, 1948:

“Date:                          Thursday 18 March 1948

“Time:                         morning [2:32 a.m. according to Associated Press.]

“Type:                         Boeing B-29 Superfortress

“Owner/operator:        United States Air Force (USAF)

….

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 10 / Occupants: 14

….

“Location:                   Tampa, FL – USA

“Phase:                        Unknown

“Nature:                       Military

….

“Narrative:                   Crashed on runway and caught fire . Five killed, five missing and four

survived injured.”

National Fire Protection Association: “Mar. 18…near Tampa, Florida…U.S. Air Force B-29…Aircraft crashed while landing at MacDill Field in dense fog…10 killed.” (NFPA. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the NFPA, Vol. 42, No. 3, Jan 1949, p196.)

Newspaper

March 18, AP: “Tampa – (AP) – Ten men were killed and four injured early today when a B-29 from Spokane, Wash., airbase crashed and burned on landing at MacDill Field here. The four survivors were admitted to the base hospital. Their condition was described as ‘good.’

“The bomber was coming in for a landing in a dense fog when it hit the edge of the runway at the southwest corner of the field, it was reported by Capt. George G. Byrnes, MacDill Field public information officer. The big craft hit the ground, bounced once and then crashed and burned. Wreckage was scattered over a wide area. Fog was rolling in from the bay and hugging the ground about 150 feet thick, Capt. Byrnes said. Apparently it was impossible to pick out the runway quickly.

“The plane had stopped at Maxwell Field (Montgomery, Ala.) and was arriving at Tampa from that base. It was attached to the 92nd Bomb Squadron at Spokane. The crash occurred at 2:32 a.m. ….”

(AP. “10 Dead, 4 Injured in B-29 Landing Accident at Tampa.” Panama City News-Herald, FL. 3-18-1948, p.1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “10 Dead, 4 Injured in B-29 Landing Accident at Tampa. Spokane Bomber Misses Runway In Heavy Fog.” Panama City News-Herald, FL. 3-18-48, 1. Accessed 9-27-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/panama-city-herald-mar-18-1948-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Network, Database, 1948. USAF B-29 crash on runway and fire, Tampa FL, 18 March 1948. Accessed 9-27-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/214281

National Fire Protection Association. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the NFPA, Vol. 42, No. 3, January 1949, pp. 137-197.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text content

1948 — March 12, Northwest Airlines Flight 4422 (charter) crash into Mt. Sanford, AK– 30

–30  Aviation Safety Network. Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 4422, 12 Mar 1948.

–30  Baugher. 1945 USAAF Serial Numbers.  Sep 21, 2011 rev.

–30  CAB. AIR. Northwest Airlines, Inc. – Mt. Sanford, Alaska – March 12, 1948.

–30  INS. “30 Die as Plane Hits Mountain.” The Lima News, OH, 3-14-1948, p. 1.

–30  Liefer. Broken Wings: Tragedy & Disaster in Alaska Civil Aviation. 2003, pp. 209-211.

 

Narrative Information

 

Baugher: “Douglas C-54G-1-DO Skymaster….513 (c/n 35966) to Northwest Airlines as NC95422.  Crashed on west slope of Mt. Sanford, Alaska Mar 12,1948. 24 passengers and six crew all killed.”  (Baugher. 1945 USAAF Serial Numbers.  Sep 21, 2011 rev.)

 

CAB: “A Northwest Airlines Douglas DC-4…Flight 4422, a non-scheduled charter flight en route from Lunghwa Airport, Shanghai, China, to La Guardia Field, New York, crashed on the west slope of Mt. Sanford, Alaska, at an altitude of 11,000 feet at approximately 2114, March 12, 1948. The 24 passengers and 6 crew members were fatally injured, and the aircraft was demolished by impact and fire….[1]

 

“Take-off from Anchorage was accomplished at 2012, March 12, 1948….Approximately 42 miles, 51 degrees, from the Gulkana radio range station is Mt. Sanford, the elevation of which is 16,208 feet. In order to provide a safe lateral distance from Mt. Sanford for aircraft flying the route, the airway from Gulkana east is deflected to the north, its course being 23 degrees. Fifteen minutes after the flight was observed flying easterly from Gulkana a fire was observed on the western slope of Mt. Sanford….

 

“At 0600 the day following the accident, a DC-3 with officials from the Civil Aeronautics Board, Civil Aeronautics Administration, and Northwest Airlines departed from Anchorage for the Mt. Sanford area. The west course of the Gulkana radio range and the Sheep Mountain radio beacon were flight checked en route and found to be operating normally. The wreckage was located at an elevation of 8,500 feet on the west slope of Mt. Sanford 23 miles southeast of the center line of the airway. The point of impact, approximately 2,500 feet above the wreckage, was observed to be a section of smoke-blackened snow and ice. From this point there was a clearly defined fire-path where the burning wreckage had fallen down the almost perpendicular wall of the mountain….The scene of the accident was inaccessible from either the ground or the air….

 

“Communications from the flight were received to within approximately one minute before the crash. In view of the fact that no mechanical difficulty was reported at any time it is unlikely that this accident was caused by any mechanical failure. Furthermore, the aircraft crashed at its cruising altitude of 11,000 feet. All ground radio navigation facilities were flight checked and found to be operating normally, so they also are eliminated from any causal relationship to the accident….

 

“Since the aircraft was observed to fly easterly from Gulkana, at which time it was 4 miles south of the Gulkana radio range station, it appears that the flight was not following the airway, but was flying directly from Gulkana to Snag. It is probable that the pilot, relying on good visibility, felt confident that he would see Mt. Sanford and be able to safely circumnavigate it. Though no clouds were reported, the top of Mt. Sanford could very well have been capped by a thin layer of clouds. Such a layer of clouds would not only have tended to obscure the mountain but may have acted as a reflector for the aurora borealis which was observed to be particularly brilliant the night of this flight.

 

“It is concluded, therefore, that the flight flew south of the airways for the purpose of flying the straight line course from Gulkana to Snag, intending to circumnavigate Mt. Sanford; and since Mt. Sanford was not discernible either because of clouds, the aurora borealis, or both, the aircraft crashed into the mountain.”  (CAB. Northwest Airlines, Mt. Sanford, Alaska – March 12, 1948.)

 

Newspaper

 

March 13: “Anchorage, Alaska, Mar. 13 — (INS) — Northwest Airlines reported tonight that 30 persons were killed in the crash and fiery explosion of a DC-4 on a virtually inaccessible, snow-capped Alaskan mountainside. The plane, owned by Northwest Airlines, carried a crew of six and 24 passengers bound from Shanghai to New York. A. V. Hayes, Alaskan manager for Northwest Airlines reported that the craft smashed into a sheer rock wall at the 11,000-foot level of Sanford mountain, 170 miles northeast of Anchorage.

 

“The plane exploded and burned, scattering debris and wreckage down the icy slopes. Hayes held no hope that anyone had survived, saying: ‘The plane is scattered all over. There is no question of anybody being alive.’

 

“Officials said the crash probably occurred about an hour and 20 minutes after the plane took off from Anchorage, bound for Edmonton, Alberta, on a leg of the Shanghai-to-New York flight.

 

“The passengers were seamen who chartered the plane to carry them to New York after delivery of a tanker to the Orient….” (INS. “30 Die as Plane Hits Mountain.” The Lima News, OH, 3-14-1948, p. 1.)

 

March 13: “The passengers were oil company employees from Texas and California[2] enroute to New York.” (Wala-Wala Union-Bulletin, WA. “Crash of Plane With 30 Reported,” 3-13-1948.)

 

Sources

 

Aviation Safety Network. Accident Description. Northwest Orient Airlines Flight 4422, 12 Mar 1948. Accessed 2-8-2009 at: http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19480312-0

 

Baugher, Joseph F. 1945 USAAF Serial Numbers. 9-21-2011 revision. Accessed 1-1-2012 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1945.html

 

Civil Aeronautics Board.  Accident Investigation Report. Northwest Airlines, Inc. – Mt. Sanford, Alaska – March 12, 1948. Washington, DC: CAB, July 28, 1948. Accessed at:  http://dotlibrary1.specialcollection.net/scripts/ws.dll?websearch&site=dot_aircraftacc

 

INS (International News Service). “30 Die as Plane Hits Mountain.” The Lima News, OH, 3-14-1948, p. 1. Accessed 1-2-2018 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lima-news-mar-14-1948-p-1/

 

 

Liefer, G. P. Broken Wings: Tragedy & Disaster in Alaska Civil Aviation. Blaine, WA: Hancock House, 2003.

 

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, WA. “Crash of Plane With 30 Reported,” 3-13-1948. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/freepdfviewer.aspx?img=20686606

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

[1] Liefer notes the site was inaccessible and soon covered with snow, thus neither the bodies nor any aircraft components recovered at the time. In 1999, he notes, two pilots found pieces of the plane which had been moved down by a glacier. The Alaska State Police and NTSB were informed and were able to retrieve some human remains. (pp. 215 and 220.)

[2] Were merchant seamen coming back from delivering a tanker to the Nationalist Chinese government. (Liefer, 219.)

1948 — March 10/11, Fire, Highland Hospital for Nervous Disorders, Asheville, NC  —     9

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 29, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

— 9  City of Asheville. “Departments, Fire, History.” Accessed 5-20-2013.

— 9  Cohn, Scotti. Disasters and Heroic Rescues of North Carolina. 2005, pp. 121-130.

— 9  Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Nine Die in Asheville Hospital Blaze.” 3-11-1948, p. 1.

— 9  Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Probe March 23.” 3-12-1948, p. 1.

— 9  Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Had 40 Minutes Start.” 3-26-1948, p. 6.

— 9  Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Nurse Discovered Asheville Fire.” 3-27-1948, p. 3.

— 9  McKown, Harry. “March 1948 – The Death of Zelda Fitzgerald.” UNC Libraries, 2007.

— 9  NFPA. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly, Vol. 42, No. 3, Jan 1949 p. 197.

— 9  National Park Service Nat. Register of Historic Places…Asheville, NC, Highland Hospital.

— 9  Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Hospital Blaze Kills 9 Women.” 3-12-1948, p. 1.

— 9  Statesville Daily Record, NC. “Hospital Authorities Exonerated in Inquest.” 4-1-1948, p. 8.

— 9  Statesville Daily Record, NC. “Psychiatric Test for Nurse Called in Asheville Fire.” 4-14-48

— 9  The Landmark, Statesville, NC. “Search Burned Wreckage for 9 Women Victims.” 3-15-48

— 9  The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Doctor Declines to Believe Nurse…Firebug.” 4-15-1948

Narrative Information

City of Asheville: “One fire that was particularly hard on Chief Fitzgerald happened in the early morning on March 10, 1948.  Highland Hospital located on Zillicoa Street was originally named ‘Dr. Carroll’s Sanatorium’ and was used to treat patients with mental and nervous disorders. All of the windows had bars on them and all the doors had steel slabs. When the crews arrived shortly after 1 a.m. they found that the four story building was already heavily involved.  Crews went to work immediately pulling lines and attempting to forcibly enter the structure to rescue patients and staff.  Due to the bars on the windows, firefighters at the scene reported later that they had to watch patients die in front of them while they tried in vain to remove the bars to gain access. Nine patients died in this fire.  Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of classic author F. Scott Fitzgerald, was one of those casualties.” (City of Asheville. “Departments, Fire, History.” Accessed 5-20-2013.)

Cohn: “The tragedy at Highland Hospital was followed by an inquest and numerous lawsuits on behalf of the dead women….The issue of barred windows also came up. An attorney for the plaintiffs declared that state law prohibited barriers on doors and windows in any but a grade ‘A’ hospital building, and that the Central building was grade ‘C’…..

“A judge ordered that Miss Hall undergo a psychiatric examination, and she was subsequently hospitalized at a facility in another section of the state. The exact cause of the fire was never determined.”  [pp. 129-130.]  (Cohn, Scotti. “Princess in a Tower – The Highland Hospital Fire, 1948. Chapter 13, Disasters and Heroic Rescues of North Carolina. 2005, pp. 121-130.)

McKown:  “Late on the night of March 10, 1948, a fire started in a kitchen of the main building of Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Spreading rapidly through a dumbwaiter shaft,[1] flames reached every floor, and, in spite of efforts by hospital staff and local fire fighters to evacuate everyone from the building, nine patients died. Among the victims of the fire, identified only by her slipper, was Zelda Fitzgerald, who with her husband, the writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, represented for many the talent, sophistication, glamour and excess of American life of the 1920s….

“In 1930 Zelda suffered a breakdown and was diagnosed (perhaps incorrectly) with schizophrenia. From then until 1940 her life was spent mainly in mental institutions in Europe and America, except for short periods living with her family. At the same time Scott’s popularity waned and his income fell. Looking for a less expensive place to relax and recover, he began visiting the area around Asheville, North Carolina. In 1936 he moved Zelda from an institution in Maryland to Highland Hospital in Asheville.

“Zelda remained for four years at Highland under the care of Dr. Robert S. Carroll, who has been described as ‘something of an original in American psychiatry.’ Carroll believed in treating mental illness in part with a regime of diet and exercise although he also used other standard therapies of the day. Zelda, who saw her husband, daughter, and other family infrequently, was often lonely at Highland, but she made progress there. She participated in activities such as hiking and playing tennis, and she continued to write and paint, pursuits she had begun in the 1920s….

“In 1940 Carroll agreed to release Zelda to live with her widowed mother in Montgomery. Over the next decade Zelda returned several times to Highland for brief periods of treatment, including the visit which ended in her death in the fire of March 10.

“By the time of the tragic fire, Highland Hospital had become part of the Duke University medical system where it remained until Duke closed the hospital in 1980.” (McKown, Harry. “March 1948 – The Death of Zelda Fitzgerald.” This Month in North Carolina History. March 2007.)

National Fire Protection Association: “Mar. 10 [1948]…Asheville, N.C. … Highly Hospital… Hospital for mental patients…9 killed.” (NFPA. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly, Vol. 42, no. 3, Jan 1949 pp. 133-197.)

National Park Service: “Though predominantly a single family residential neighborhood, land use in Montford [neighborhood] has been mixed since the earliest days of development. A number of establishments from boarding houses to public schools to a city cemetery have appeared throughout the neighborhood. Several small, private clinics and hospitals for tuberculosis and other ailments were also established. Best known of these was Highland Hospital, originally known as ‘Dr. Carroll’s Sanatorium,’ founded by Dr. Robert S. Carroll, a distinguished psychiatrist. His program of treatment for mental and nervous disorders and addictions was based on exercise, diet and occupational therapy, and attracted patients from all over the country. The hospital was relocated from downtown Asheville to the northern end of Montford Avenue in 1909, and was officially named Highland Hospital in 1912…..

In 1939, Dr. Carroll entrusted the hospital to the Neuropsychiatric Department of Duke University. It was during this time that on the night of March 10, 1948, a deadly fire broke out in the main building and took the lives of nine women….”  (National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary, Asheville, NC, Highland Hospital. Accessed 5-20-2013.)

 Newspapers:

 

March 11: “Asheville, March 11 – (AP) – Nine patients perished here early today in the blazing inferno of a mental hospital fire. Seven of the victims were trapped helplessly on upper floors of the four-story central building of the Highland hospital for nervous diseases, Dr. B. T. Bennett, medical director, reported. Two others were evacuated by firemen who dashed into the fiery structure but they died soon afterward. The hospital released the following names of the dead:

Mrs. A. T. Hipps of Asheville;

Mrs. W. B. Kennedy of Kinston;

Mrs. Ida Engel of Clayton, Ms.;

Mrs. Julius Doering of Johnson City, Tenn.;

Mrs. J. R. Bornchoff or Rome, Ga.;

Miss M. De Friese of Bristol, Tenn.;

Mrs. F. Scott Fitzgerald of Montgomery, Ala., widow of the author;

Mrs. B. W. James of Atlanta; and

Mrs. G. C. Womack of Friendsville, Tenn.

“The fire, discovered about midnight, started in the kitchen of the hospital’s central building. It quickly spread to an elevator shaft and was licking the building’s roof when firemen arrived. Screams of trapped women rang out above the roaring conflagration as doctors, nurses, firemen and police ran through the blazing structure, risking their lives in an effort to save the 20 patients in the building. They quickly huddled the rescued patients into another building where some sat silently and others yelled hysterically….

“Police Captain Harold Enloe was the first man to reach the building. ‘I could hear screaming on the third floor,’ he related. ‘Flames by then were lapping through the roof of the building.’ Every available piece of the city’s fire-fighting equipment was called out and off-duty firemen were rushed to the scene.

“The flames, leaping high into the air, lit up a large section of this mountain resort city. About 1,000 spectators, many of them dressed in pajamas, milled helplessly around, unable to assist the trapped women.

“Dr. Bennett said some of the hospital’s most violent patients were in the destroyed building but they were among the first to be released. He reported that most of those dying were on the top floor of the wood and stone structure.

“The hospital, housed in several buildings, about three miles from the heart of Asheville, is a unit of Duke University Hospital in Durham. It was operated for about a quarter of a century by Dr. Robert S. Carroll, a noted mental specialist whose clientele included members of prominent families throughout the nation. Dr. Carroll gave the institution to Duke several years ago….”  (Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Nine Die in Asheville Hospital Blaze.” 3-11-1948, p. 1.)

March 12: “Asheville, N.C. (AP) – Fire roared thru a mental hospital here early yesterday and snuffed out the lives of nine women patients. They died as 20 others, some screaming, some calm, were led to safety. Flames quickly engulfed the four-story central building of the Highland hospital for nervous diseases. Wailing of some of the 29 women echoed over the spacious grounds.  Firemen, police nurses, doctors and townspeople rushed to the rescue. Seven women were trapped on the upper floors, two others removed by firemen died in a short while. It was the third fire in the hospital in less than a year.” (Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Hospital Blaze Kills 9 Women.” 3-12-1948, p. 1.)

March 12: “Asheville, March 12 – (AP) – Inquest into the deaths of nine women patients of Highland Hospital, who lost their lives in a fire that demolished Central building early yesterday, will be conducted March 23, it was announced by Dr. P. R. Terry, county coroner….” (Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Probe March 23.” 3-12-1948, p. 1.)

March 12: “Asheville, Mar 12 – The search of the burned wreckage of an Asheville mental hospital continues today for the remaining bodies of nine women victims. Fire yesterday destroyed the four-story central building of Highland Hospital….

…Fire Chief J. C. Fitzgerald said he believed the blaze started in the kitchen. He added that it was the third fire at the hospital in a year….” (The Landmark, Statesville, NC. “Search Burned Wreckage for 9 Women Victims.” 3-15-1948, p. 4.)

March 26: “Asheville, March 26 – (AP) – Fire Chief J. S. Fitzgerald testified at an inquest here yesterday that the Highland Hospital had been burning 40 to 45 minutes by the time fire trucks reached the scene within six minutes of the first alarm. Nine women patients died in the fire March 11. Fitzgerald, first of three witnesses called in an inquest that is expected to continue into next week, testified that ‘if the alarm had come in 30 minutes earlier there would have been no need for anyone losing their lives.’ He added that he believed that the nine victims had died before firemen arrived….” (Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Had 40 Minutes Start.” 3-26-1948, p. 6.)

March 27: “Asheville, March 27 – (AP) – A nurse, testifying at an inquest into the Highland hospital fire that took nine lives March 10, said yesterday she discovered the blaze about 11:35 p.m.  At that time, she testified, the blaze was confined to a table in the diet kitchen. The nurse, Miss Doris Jane Anderson of Janesville, Wis., added that she turned in the alarm between 11:35 and 11:45 p.m., using a telephone at her station on the hospital’s fourth floor. Her testimony highlighted the second day of the inquest…The hearing is expected to continue for at least two more days. Fire Chief J. C. Fitzgerald earlier testified that…fire apparatus reached the hospital within six minutes of receiving the alarm at 11:44 p.m.” (Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Nurse Discovered Asheville Fire.” 3-27-1948, p. 3.)

April 1: “Asheville, April 1. – (UP) – Officials of the Highland Hospital for Nervous Diseases were cleared of criminal negligence today in the fire which swept the central building last month and took the lives of nine women patients. A coroner’s jury said in its verdict late yesterday ‘It is our opinion that there was negligence, but not to the extent to be classed as culpable negligence.’ The jury deliberated for two and a half hours after hearing the testimony of more than 50 witnesses.  The inquest lasted four days.” (Statesville Daily Record, NC. “Hospital Authorities Exonerated in Inquest.” 4-1-1948, p. 8.)

April 13: “Asheville, April 13 – (AP) – An investigation of Highland hospital fire, which took the lives of nine women patients March 11, and for which a coroner’s jury absolved the hospital and attendants of culpable blame, was renewed here today after Miss Willie Mae Hall, night supervisor of central building, voluntarily entered city jail last night ‘because I am afraid of what I might do.’ Miss Hall came to the city jail alone, in a hysterical condition, police said. Chief of Police Eric Hall and Solicitor W. K. McLean were called, as was Dr. Basil T. Bennett, medical director of the hospital. After six hours of questioning Miss Hall was transferred to the county jail, where she remained today pending further investigation into her behavior and admissions of  ‘fear’ of herself and what she ‘might do.’  ‘There are six places in Oak Lodge (one of the Highland Hospital patient buildings) I have picked out that could be set fire. I have thought about it so much, I am afraid of what I might do and I want you to lock me up.’

“Both Chief Hall and Solicitor McLean quoted Miss Hall as making this statement on her arrival at the city police department about 9 o’clock last night. ‘Did you set fire to Central building?’ Miss Hall was asked. ‘I don’t know . . . I really don’t know . . . I don’t believe I did . . .but I could have,’ Miss Hall is quoted by police as answering.

“Dr. Bennett was asked what he thought of the matter. He answered: ‘My opinion right now – and I may modify it later as more facts are found – is that Miss Hall got all upset due to the fact she felt so much responsibility relative to her job at the hospital. She may feel that she has fallen down on her job and due to worry and concern may have begun to imagine a lot of things’.” (Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Probe Resumed.” 4-13-1948, p. 1.)

April 14: “Asheville, April 14. – (UP) — Authorities ordered a mental examination today for the night supervisor of a hospital that burned here March 11 after she asked police to lock her up because she was afraid of what she might do…. A hearing and psychiatric examination of the night supervisor, who had charge of the hospital the night it burned, will be held in the next few days.”  (Statesville Daily Record, NC. “Psychiatric Test for Nurse Called in Asheville Fire.” 4-14-1948, p. 8.)

April 15: “Asheville, April 15 – (AP) – Following an examination of Miss Willie Mae Hall, night supervisor of Highland hospital. Dr. J. Wesley Taylor of Greensboro reported to Buncombe county Superior court today that he did not believe that the nurse had anything to do with a fire that destroyed the central building at the institution March 10 with the loss of nine lives.

“Dr. Taylor was brought into the case by Judge H. Hoyle Sink and spent all day yesterday with Miss Hall. Judge Sink said he may make a ruling in the matter sometime today following a conference with Solicitor W. K. McLean and others who have worked on the case. ‘My opinion in this case,’ Dr. Taylor said, ‘is that we are dealing with a hysterical woman who has been much overworked and worried, and who puts too much emphasis on dreams. The fatigue and worry and continuous lack of sleep and unabated tension have confused her.  She has finally come to doubting almost everything of any importance that might apply to her in this case….” (The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Doctor Declines to Believe Nurse Turned Firebug.” 4-15-1948, p. 4.)

Sources

City of Asheville. “Departments, Fire, History.” Accessed 5-20-2013 at: http://www.ashevillenc.gov/Departments/Fire/History.aspx

Cohn, Scotti. Disasters and Heroic Rescues of North Carolina. Globe Pequot Press, 2005.

Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Had 40 Minutes Start.” 3-26-1948, p. 6. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=65496679&sterm

Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Probe March 23.” 3-12-1948, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=111289898&sterm

Gastonia Gazette, NC. “Asheville Fire Probe Resumed.” 4-13-1948, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=111290089&sterm

McKown, Harry. “March 1948 – The Death of Zelda Fitzgerald.” This Month in North Carolina History. UNC University Libraries, March 2007. Accessed 5-20-2013 at: http://www.lib.unc.edu/ncc/ref/nchistory/mar2007/index.html

National Fire Protection Association. “Large Loss Fires of 1948.” Quarterly of the NFPA, Vol. 42, No. 3, Jan 1949 pp. 137-197.

National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary, Asheville, NC, Highland Hospital. Accessed 5-20-2013 at: http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/asheville/hig.htm

Post-Standard, Syracuse, NY. “Hospital Blaze Kills 9 Women.” 3-12-1948, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=18000205&sterm=utica+fire+hoage+paye

Statesville Daily Record, NC. “Hospital Authorities Exonerated in Inquest.” 4-1-1948, p. 8. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=142849124&sterm=highland+hospital

Statesville Daily Record, NC. “Psychiatric Test for Nurse Called in Asheville Fire.” 4-14-1948, 8. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=142849175&sterm

The Landmark, Statesville, NC. “Search Burned Wreckage for 9 Women Victims.” 3-15-1948, p. 4. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=6233564&sterm

The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. “Doctor Declines to Believe Nurse Turned Firebug.” 4-15-1948, p. 4. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=101034223&sterm

 

[1] “…an official investigation showed [the fire] was stared in a diet kitchen, and flashed up a dumb waiter shaft.” (Wilmington Morning Star-News, NC. “Asheville Hospital Fire Cases Started; Court to Hear Eight.” 6-9-1950, p.9.)

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