20th Century

1936 – Tuberculosis (respiratory system), int. list #23, Mortality Statistics 1936 –65,043

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-27-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–65,043 U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1936, Table I, p. 12.

Narrative Information

Centers for Disease Control on Tuberculosis: “Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

“TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

“TB is NOT spread by:

Shaking someone’s hand.

Sharing food or drink.

Touching bed linens or toilet seats.

Sharing toothbrushes

Kissing.

“When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, they can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain.

“TB disease in the lungs or throat can be infectious. This means that the bacteria can be spread to other people. TB in other parts of the body, such as the kidney or spine, is usually not infectious.

“People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and coworkers or schoolmates.” (CDC. Tuberculosis (TB). 3-20-2016 update.)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tuberculosis (TB). 3-20-2016 update. Accessed 10-16-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm

United States Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. Mortality Statistics 1936. Washington: United States Government Printing Office, 1938. Accessed 11-27-2024 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsushistorical/mortstatsh_1936.pdf

20th Century

1936 – Scarlet Fever, international list #8, Census Bureau. Mortality Statistics 1936 –2,493

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-13-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–2,493 U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1936, Table I, p. 12.

Narrative Information

CDC on Scarlet Fever: “Scarlet fever – or scarlatina – is a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus or ‘group A strep.’ These bacteria cause many types of infections, including strep throat and skin infections. Certain strep bacteria produce a toxin (poison) that can cause a red rash—the ‘scarlet’ of scarlet fever. Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness that most commonly affects children between 5 and 15 years old.

“People can spread scarlet fever germs to others. Group A strep bacteria can live in a person’s nose and throat. The bacteria spread through contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something with these droplets on it, you may become ill. You can also get sick after drinking from the same glass or eating from the same plate as a sick person. People can get scarlet fever from contact with sores from group A strep skin infections.

“…Illness usually begins with a fever and sore throat. There also may be chills, vomiting, or abdominal pain. The tongue may have a whitish coating and appear swollen. It may also have a ‘strawberry’-like (red and bumpy) appearance. The throat and tonsils may be very red and sore, and swallowing may be painful. Although the cheeks might have a flushed appearance, there may be a pale area around the mouth.

“Usually the characteristic red rash appears one or two days after the illness begins. However, the rash can appear before illness or up to 7 days later. The rash usually appears first on the neck, underarm, and groin (the area where your stomach meets your thighs). Over time, the rash spreads over the body. Typically, the rash begins as small, flat red blotches that gradually become fine bumps and feel like sandpaper. Underarm, elbow, and groin skin creases may become brighter red than the rest of the rash. Doctors call these Pastia’s lines. The scarlet fever rash generally fades in about 7 days. As the rash fades, the skin may peel around the finger tips, toes, and groin area. This peeling can last up to several weeks….

“There is no vaccine to prevent scarlet fever….” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection.” 1-22-2018.)

CDC on Scarlet Fever and Strep Throat: “Bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep) cause scarlet fever. These bacteria are also the cause of strep throat. The bacteria sometimes make a toxin (poison), which causes a rash – the “scarlet” of scarlet fever.” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know.”

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: A Group A Streptococcal Infection.” 1-22-2018. Accessed 6-20-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/features/scarletfever/index.html )

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Scarlet Fever: All You Need to Know.” Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov

United States Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. Mortality Statistics 1936. Washington: United States Government Printing Office, 1938. Accessed 11-26-2024 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsushistorical/mortstatsh_1936.pdf

20th Century

1936 – Malaria, international list #38, Census Bureau. Mortality Statistics 1936 — 3,943

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-27-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–3,943 U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1936, Table I, p. 12.

Narrative Information

Malaria: “Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a parasite. People with malaria often experience fever, chills, and flu-like illness. Left untreated, they may develop severe complications and die. In 2016 an estimated 216 million cases of malaria occurred worldwide and 445,000 people died, mostly children in the African Region. About 1,700 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year. The vast majority of cases in the United States are in travelers and immigrants returning from countries where malaria transmission occurs, many from sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.” (CDC. Malaria. 6-26-2018 update.)

Malaria: “Malaria is a life-threatening disease. It’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Infected mosquitoes carry the Plasmodium parasite. When this mosquito bites you, the parasite is released into your bloodstream. Once the parasites are inside your body, they travel to the liver, where they mature. After several days, the mature parasites enter the bloodstream and begin to infect red blood cells. Within 48 to 72 hours, the parasites inside the red blood cells multiply, causing the infected cells to burst open….The parasites continue to infect red blood cells, resulting in symptoms that occur in cycles that last two to three days at a time. Malaria is typically found in tropical and subtropical climates where the parasites can live….

“The symptoms of malaria typically develop within 10 days to four weeks following the infection. In some cases, symptoms may not develop for several months. Some malarial parasites can enter the body but will be dormant for long periods of time. Common symptoms of malaria include:

Shaking chills; can range from moderate to severe Abdominal pain

High fever Anemia

Profuse sweating Diarrhea Headache Muscle pain

Nausea Convulsions Vomiting Coma

Bloody stools.” (Healthline. “Malaria.”)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Malaria. 6-26-2018 update. Accessed 10-7-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/malaria/index.html

Healthline. “Malaria.” Accessed 6-18-2018 at: https://www.healthline.com/health/malaria#complications

20th Century

1936 – Leprosy (Hansen’s disease, infectious and parasitic diseases Int. code 33) — 31

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-27-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–31 U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1936, Table I, p. 12.

Narrative Information

CDC: “Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. People with Hansen’s disease can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment.

“Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness.

“Transmission…. It is not known exactly how Hansen’s disease spreads between people. Scientists currently think it may happen when a person with Hansen’s disease coughs or sneezes, and a healthy person breathes in the droplets containing the bacteria. Prolonged, close contact with someone with untreated leprosy over many months is needed to catch the disease.

“You cannot get leprosy from a casual contact with a person who has Hansen’s disease like:

Shaking hands or hugging
Sitting next to each other on the bus
Sitting together at a meal

“Hansen’s disease is also not passed on from a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy and it is also not spread through sexual contact.

“Due to the slow-growing nature of the bacteria and the long time it takes to develop signs of the disease, it is often very difficult to find the source of infection.

“In the southern United States, some armadillos are naturally infected with the bacteria that cause Hansen’s disease in people and it may be possible that they can spread it to people. However, the risk is very low and most people who come into contact with armadillos are unlikely to get Hansen’s disease.

“For general health reasons, avoid contact with armadillos whenever possible. If you had a contact with an armadillo and are worried about getting Hansen’s disease, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will follow up with you over time and perform periodic skin examinations to see if you develop the disease. In the unlikely event that you have Hansen’s disease, your doctor can help you get treatment.

“Who Is at Risk?

“In the U.S., Hansen’s disease is rare. Around the world, as many as 2 million people are permanently disabled as a result of Hansen’s disease.

“Overall, the risk of getting Hansen’s disease for any adult around the world is very low. That’s because more than 95% of all people have natural immunity to the disease….” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy).”

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy).” Accessed 10-21-2022 at: https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/transmission/index.html)

20th Century

1936 – Hunger and thirst, international list #189. Census Bur. Mortality Statistics 1936-58

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-27-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–58 U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1936, Table I, p. 14.

Source

20th Century

1936 – Excessive Cold, international list #190. Census Bureau. Mortality Statistics 1936–579

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-27-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–579 U.S. Bureau of the Census. Mortality Statistics 1936, Table I, p. 14.

Source

20th Century

1936 – Sep 2, Hutchinson Coal Co. MacBeth Mine gas & dust explosion, Macbeth, WV– 10

lornajarrettblanchard January 1, 1936

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-18-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–10 NFPA. “Fires in Which There Was Loss of Life, Third Quarter, 1936.” Quarterly, 30/2.

–10 US Bureau of Mines. Gas and Dust Explosion, MacBeth Mine…MacBeth, WV…Sep 2, 1936, p. 1.

–10 WV Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training. WV Mine Disasters 1884 to Present

Narrative Information

US Bureau of Mines. Gas and Dust Explosion, MacBeth Mine…MacBeth, WV. 9-2-1936, p.1:

“An explosion of gas and dust occurred between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m., September 2, 1936, in the MacBeth mine of the Hutchinson Coal Company, at MacBeth, W. Va., resulting in the death of 10 men, 8 of whom died as a result of burns and violence, and the injury of 1 man due to inhalation of afterdamp. This man was rescued and revived after the explosion. No men tried to protect themselves by a barricade, however, 2 of the men could have saved themselves if they had remained in the working place or erected a barricade. The accident undoubtedly resulted from ignition of gas by a cable-reel locomotive near the face of 14 room off right entry. The flame was restricted to 12 and 13 right entries….” (p. 1.)

“It was the opinion of the State inspectors that the explosion was caused through the ignition of an accumulation of an explosive body of methane by an arc from a cable-reel locomotive, probably caused when the switch governing the cable-reel was turned on. The accumulation of gas was believed to have been caused by leaving open a door in room 14, in which room the explosion occurred.” (p. 22.)

Sources

National Fire Protection Association. “Fires in Which There Was Loss of Life, Third Quarter, 1936.” Quarterly of the National Fire Protection Association, Vol. 30, No. 2, Oct 1936..

United States Bureau of Mines. Final Report, Gas and Dust Explosion, MacBeth Mine, Hutchinson Coal Company, MacBeth W. Va. September2, 1936. Wahington, DC: Department of the Interior. Accessed 11-18-2034 at: https://usminedisasters.miningquiz.com/saxsewell/Macbeth_1936.pdf

West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health Safety and Training. WV Mine Disasters 1884 to Present. MHS&T, October 9, 2008 update. At: http://www.wvminesafety.org/disaster.htm

20th Century

1935 — Dec 22, bus goes through drawbridge guardrail into Appomattox Riv., Hopewell, VA–all 14

lornajarrettblanchard December 22, 1935

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-29-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–14 AP. “Identify Last of Victims of Hopewell Bus Tragedy.” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-23-1935, 1

–14 Assoc. Press. “Probe Death of 14 in Bus Plunge,” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-23-1935, p. 1.

–14 UP. “14 Drown As Bus Crashes Through Open Drawbridge.” Dubois Courier, PA. 12-23-1935, p.1

Narrative Information

Dec 22, UP: “Hopewell, Va., Dec. 22. 22 – (UP) – Fourteen persons died when a Greyhound bus hurtled through an open draw-bridge, police said late tonight after all bodies had been recovered. One by one the bodies were hoisted in baskets up to the bridge from which the abus plunged early today after smashing through a wooden gate guarding the draw. The bus was on a barge below the bridge….” (United Press. “14 Drown As Bus Crashes Through Open Drawbridge.” Dubois Courier, PA. 12-23-1935, p.1.)

Dec 23. AP. “Probe Death of 14 in Bus Plunge,” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-23-1935, p. 1:

“HOPEWELL, Va., Dec. 23. – (AP) – An inquest was ordered for Thursday in the deaths of fourteen persons who lost their lives in the plunge of a bus through an open drawbridge into the Appomattox river yesterday….

“A sixth body, meanwhile, was tentatively identified as Mrs. T. H. Fairfax, of…Superior, Wis…. Five others of those who died in the river’s icy water were identified before daybreak today as Virginians and North Carolinians.

“Mayor D. L. Elder and Commonwealth’s Attorney John Goodman agreed this morning that the inquest would be a mere ‘formality’ in the full investigation as to why the Atlantic Greyhound bus smashed through a safety rail and into the draw which had been opened for a tug and barge. ‘All we can do is to say they are dead, sign the death certificates and say it was an accident,’ Mayor Elder declared.

“An autopsy at 11 o’clock on the body of the driver, L. G. Alford, 38, of Five Points, N. C. was expected to shed light on the moot question of whether he was conscious at the time of the accident. Mayor Elder said the fact that the brakes were set on the bus indicated he was conscious, but D. D. McAfee, district superintendent for the bus lines at Raleigh, said: ‘I can’t believe the boy was alive when the bus went over.’ McAfee said the driver had been employed six years and had had five years prior experience, his whole record being excellent….

“Commonwealth’s Attorney Goodman said he believed the driver was either asleep or not watching the road ahead. He said skid marks appeared to extend back only 18 feet from the open draw span….

“Lacy McNair, bridge tender, did not think the bus showed any sign of slowing up in the brief instant he saw it before the fatal plunge. He said he did not hear the brakes screeching.

“H. Lester Hooker, of the Virginia Corporation Commission, investigated the accident in person and said he was told by witnesses that the bus approached the draw at less than 22 miles an hour. He said icy pavements might have been responsible.

“The identified dead were announced as follows:

Mrs. Anne W. Duncan, Pittsboro, N.C.

G. Alford, 38, Five Points, N.C.

Mrs. J. W. Massey, Hopewell.

Captain John B. Belch, Hopewell.

Mrs. Ruby Matthews, of Richmond.

“The body of one woman was identified as Mrs. John Cizler 22, of Clarendon, Va., but it was learned later that Mrs. Cizler was not a passenger on the bus.

“Police found four other names from belongings, which they said served as tentative identifications. These names were:

Miss Lillian Fairfax, with the same address as that of Mrs. T. H. Fairfax, of Superior, Wis.

Alma Parkham, 363 W. 119^th street, New York.

Gertrude Fisher, of McKenney, Va., a package evidently in the possession of Miss Fisher

bore the name, Elizabeth Fisher.

“Although eight remained unidentified, baggage was found on the bus bearing names of Mrs. Gertrude and Elizabeth Fisher of McKenney, Va., with either Miss or Mrs. Andrews, of Pittsboro, N.C.

“Of the unidentified dead four were white women one a white man and two negro women.

“The bus was raised from the water more than twelve hours after Captain Lacy McNair, the bridge tender, heard it crash through the guard rail and saw it hurtle twenty feet into the river channel with its screaming cargo.

“Men worked with ice coated ropes in a snowstorm which became a blizzard with low temperature while Salvation Army lassies and Red Cross nurses served them with hot coffee and soup. ‘It’s the worst thing I ever saw – bodies were tumbled in with baggage and chairs were torn loose from the floor,’ said Bill Henderson, Hopewell policeman, after inspecting the bus….

“The bus hurtled down the 200-yard approach to the drawspan at 8:55 yesterday morning. Captain McNair, standing on the open pivot span looking down stream as a tug and its barge tow started through heard the bus crash through the guard rail. ‘It was a half minute I will never forget as long as I live’ he said. ‘I will always remember those screams and cries of women and children on the bus as it hung on the edge of the bridge before the final plunge to the icy waters of the river.’ The bridge tender was standing approximately 30 feet from the point where the bus plunged nose first into the water, trembled a minute and submerged amid bubbles of air.

“Captain Belch was thrown through the windshield and after what Captain McNair thought was an effort to swim, was picked up by Captain Ben Alexander of the tug Stanley and his helper, James Gromsley. The captain said he did not believe Belch was dead when first pulled from the water.

“The water was between 25 and 30 feet deep where the bus sunk….

“Larkin Glazebrook, investigator of the state motor vehicle division, shortly after the accident occurred, expressed the opinion the brakes on the bus were frozen and the driver was unable to stop.

“The drawbridge had been opened to allow a tug and barge to pass. McNair said he was looking down the river when he heard the bus crash through the guard gate ten feet from the edge of the drawbridge….’I saw the bus just as it was crashing through the barrier. The driver never seemed to slacken his speed and the bus continued to the lip of the draw. Here it slackened for a few moments as the rear undercarriage caught on the end of the bridge. Its nose was pointed toward the water. People – at least a dozen, but it looked like more to me, were tumbling in a heap to the front of the bus. Several were thrown against the windshield and those in the rear piled on top of them. Women, children and even men were screaming – I could hear them plainly….I could see the white top of the bus floating above the surface, for I guess fully 15 seconds and then the huge machine slowly disappeared into the muddy water….”

Dec 24, AP: “HOPEWELL, Va., Dec. 24. – (AP) – Virginia’s worst bus accident – the drowning of a driver and his thirteen passengers in the Appomattox river here early Sunday morning – evolved into a Christmas tragedy today as complete identifications of the victims revealed that many were bound home for the holiday.

“The grim task of naming the last unknown body hinged on a sodden Christmas card across which was written ‘Miss Laura Davis,’ and the signature ‘J. Jones.’ From that, and a recognition by L. E. Gunn, of Meredithsville, Va., the body of a young woman was tentatively identified as Laura ‘Haney’ Davis, of Meredithsville. Gunn said she often visited at Greensboro. A baggage check in the name of Laura Davis was for Greensboro.

“Also identified were the bodies of Miss Ruth Poetine [unclear] Goodwin, 21, of Route 2, Cary, N.C. A brother, Kermit Goodwin, said she was en route from New York to her home to spend Christmas. She will be buried there, probably tomorrow, he said.

“Another victim, Mrs. Alma Parham, of New York and Lumberton, N.C., was on her way there for a surprise Christmas visit to her eight-year-old son.

“One of the Richmond residents who died in the crash was Mrs. Ruby Mathews. She had been given a week’s vacation by her employers and was on her way to spend Christmas with her parents and three-year-old daughter at Durham, N.C. She also will be buried Christmas Day….

“In addition to Alford, Mrs. Parham, Miss Davis, Mrs. Matthews and Miss Goodwin, the death list includes: Mr. and Mrs. Martin E. Smith, Richmond; Mrs. Anne W. Duncan, Pittsboro, N.C.; Captain John Belch, Hopewell; Mrs. J. W. Massey, Hopewell; Mrs. T. H. Fairfax, Superior, Wis.’ Miss Lillian Elizabeth Fairfax, Superior, Wis., Elizabeth Fisher and Gertrude Fisher, negroes, McKenny, Va.” (Associated Press. “Identify Last of Victims of Hopewell Bus Tragedy.” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-23-1935, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Identify Last of Victims of Hopewell Bus Tragedy.” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-23-1935, p. 1. Accessed 11-29-2024 at:

https://newspaperarchive.com/danville-bee-dec-24-1935-p-1/

Associated Press. “Probe Death of 14 in Bus Plunge,” The Bee, Danville, VA. 12-23-1935, pp. 1, 4. Accessed 11-28-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/danville-bee-dec-23-1935-p-1/

United Press. “14 Drown As Bus Crashes Through Open Drawbridge.” Dubois Courier, PA. 12-23-1935, p.1. Accessed 11-29-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/dubois-courier-dec-22-1935-p-1/

20th Century

1945 — Nov 8, two US Navy PBM Mariners collide mid-air over Corpus Christi Bay, TX–22

lornajarrettblanchard November 8, 1935

Last edit Nov 25, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–22 Aviation Safety Network. USN PBM Mariners collide 2.5M NNW off Corpus Christi NAS.

–22 Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, 38.

Narrative Information

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999”

“Date: 8 November 1945 (c.20:00)

“Location: Corpus Christi Bay, Texas, US

“First aircraft

“Operator: US Navy

“Type: Martin PBM-3S Mariner (01710)

“Second aircraft

“Operator: US Navy

“Type: Martin PMB-5 Mariner (69113)

“Two twin-engine amphibious bombers [01710 & 69113] collided and crashed about 2½ miles… north-north-west of Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. Killed in the accident were 22 American servicemen, including all 12 occupants of 69113; the five survivors from 01710 suffered various injuries.

“Both aircraft were on training flights, 69113 having taken off from the water on a true heading of 150 degrees, while 01710 was making its approach to a different landing area and on a course of 165 degrees true. Despite taking off behind it, the former overtook the latter due to the differences in speed between the two models of the PBM, flying slightly to starboard but on an approximately parallel course. The tail lights on the Mariner were at best difficult to see, but when 01710 turned on its landing lights, 69113 pulled up and turned left in a futile attempt to avoid the collision, which occurred in darkness at an estimated height of 400ft (120m). The PBM-5 then plummeted straight down, exploding on impact with the water….

“An investigative report attributed the accident to error by the crew of 69113, primarily inattention on the part of its co-pilot, whose role would normally have been relegated to that of `look-out’ during instrument take-offs and landings. Other factors were the judgment displayed by its pilot in pulling up upon the sudden appearance of 01710, which was probably related to confusion on his part, when maintaining the same course could possibly have avoided the collision.” (Gero 1999, pp. 38-39.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 127. US Navy PBM Mariners collide 2.5M NNW off Corpus Christi NAS, TX, 8 November 1945. Accessed 11-25-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19451108-1

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. UK and Newbury Park, CA: Patrick Stephens Limited, an imprint of Hayes Publishing, 1999.

20th Century

1935 — Oct 7, United Airlines airport approach crash, hill 15M W Cheyenne, WY –all 12

lornajarrettblanchard October 7, 1935

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-30-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–12 AP. “Plane Smashes into Hill near Cheyenne; 9 Passengers…” SLC Telegram, UT. 10-7-1935, 1.

–12 Bureau of Air Commerce (DOC). Report of the Accident Board, BAC. October 31, 1935.

Narrative Information

Bureau of Air Commerce: “On October 7, 1935 at approximately 2 19 a.m., at a point about 10 miles west northwest of the airport at Cheyenne, Wyoming, an airplane [NC13317]…while-being flown in scheduled interstate operation carrying passengers, mail and express, unexpectedly contacted the ground with resultant death to all-onboard[1] and the complete destruction of the aircraft….it was owned by the United Air Lines Transport Corporation and at the time of the accident was being operated on the Salt Lake City-Cheyenne division of that corporation’s transcontinental route.

“This flight, scheduled as Trip 4 of October 6th out of Oakland, Calif., was dispatched from Salt Lake City for Cheyenne at 12 07 a.m. on October 7, 1935… Normal radio contacts were made throughout the flight, the last one being a contact at 2:16 or 2:17 a.m. by Co-pilot Batty with Cheyenne, giving the airplanes position as Silver Crown, which is approximately 3 miles west of the point where the accident occurred. Cheyenne called the plane at 2:21 a.m. and received no reply, which establishes the time of the accident at between 2:17 and 2:21 a.m.

“Investigation disclosed that the airplane, while on the direct radio course to the Cheyenne airport and while flying in a normal, slightly descending path, had first collided with the ground just a few feet below the top of a small knoll tearing out both engines and engine nacelles. From here it had rebounded and continued through the air for a distance of 1120 feet, where it came to rest…. A careful study of the wreckage failed to disclose any evidence of mechanical failure prior to the accident…. That no landing was being attempted at this point is indicated by the fact that the landing gear was found to be in full retreated position, both engines were running at normal speed and neither landing flare had been used….

“All indications are that the pilot was flying on instruments at the time of the accident. A log book entry made by the co-pilot credited the pilot with one hour of instrument flying, which may or may not have been completed at the time this entry was made….

“Whether or not the pilot was flying entirely on instruments, the question still arises as to why he was flying so close to the ground at the point of first contact with the ground It is possible that the co-pilot in giving their position as Silver Crown could have done so having observed that the airplane was approaching Silver Crown. The pilot, hearing this over the interphones, might have taken this literally and started losing altitude factor or sooner than he should have from actual location. Another possibility is that the pilot misread his altimeter and as a consequence was actually flying at a much lower altitude than he believed. An additional 1,000 feet of altitude at the point of the accident would have placed the airplane in suitable position for a normal power glide to the airport for a landing.

“It is the opinion of the Accident Board that the probable cause of this accident was an error on the part of the pilot in judging his altitude or his distance from the airport, or both.” (Bureau of Air Commerce (DOC). Report of the Accident Board, BAC. October 31, 1935.)

Newspaper

Oct 7, AP: “CHEYENNE, Wyo., Oct. 7 – Twelve persons – nine passengers and a crew of three – were crushed to death early today as an Oakland-to-New York United Airlines transport plane crashed on a knoll on the rolling plains a scant 15 miles west of here. The veteran pilot, H. A. (No Collision) Collison, apparently had started down from high altitudes in ideal weather with his twin-motored liner, preparatory to a scheduled stop here, when he struck the top of one hill, lost his propeller and plummeted against another hillside.

“The plane smashed into the ground about 2:15 a.m., mountain standard time. It was torn and twisted, but did not catch fire. After a regular stop at Salt Lake City just before midnight, the cross-country liner had reported its progress by radio and asked ground wind information just five minutes’ flying time west of Cheyenne.…

List of Dead

A. Collison, Salt Lake City, pilot.

George Batty, Denver, copilot.

Miss Leona Mason, Salt Lake City, stewardess.

H. Miner, Chicago, officer of a game board company.

Charles H. Matthews Jr., Pittsburgh banker.

Ray R. Bane Jr., Greeley, Colo., business man, formerly of Salt Lake City…

Vincent Butler, San Francisco attorney.

Miss Juliet Hillman, Pittsburgh, daughter of a socially prominent business man there.

Walter B. Crandall, Associated Oil company, San Francisco, en route to New York.[2]

Helen Warren, United Airlines stenographer of Chicago, riding as a passenger.

Mrs. Coralyn Catheart, president of the Portland, Ore., Business and Professional

Women’s club.

John F. Cushing, Evanston, Ill., president of the Great Lakes Dredge and Dock company

of Chicago.

Sources

Associated Press. “Plane Smashes into Hill near Cheyenne; 9 Passengers, Crew of 3 Die; Wreck Spread Half Mile.” Salt Lake City Telegram, UT. 10-7-1935, p. 1. Accessed 11-30-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/salt-lake-city-telegram-oct-07-1935-p-1/

Bureau of Air Commerce. U.S. Department of Commerce. Report of the Accident Board. 10-31-1935. Accessed 11-30-2024 at: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/32967

[1] Listed are the names of the 3 crew members and 9 passengers.

[2] Notes on same page that “the ‘Waler B. Crandall’ who was a victim of the transport crash near Cheyenne early today was Robert H. Renebome, 28, said by Inspector George Curtis to be a fugitive from San Francisco police on bad check charges.” This is reflected as well in Bureau of Air Commerce report which notes the death of R. H. Renebome of Redwood City, Calif., and does not list Mr. Crandall.

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