CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY
CENTRAL AIRPORT
The Plane Crash of November 5, 1931
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I suppose it's human nature to ask one's self the question, once one knows that there really was an airport at the Airport Circle, did any airplane's ever crash there? After all, why do people watch NASCAR, horror movies, Court TV, and the evening news for? We humans are a morbid bunch
In any event, the answer to the question is yes. On November 5, 1931, a Lockheed Vega traveling from New York to Washington DC attempted an unscheduled landing at Central Airport crashed and burned, killing five people, including former U.S. Army pilot Vernon Lucas, who was traveling as a passenger at the time.
My thanks to his granddaughter, Elaine Lucas Hubbard, for making me aware of this incident, and sharing images from her family collection.
Picture Published 1931
Central AirportThe crash occurred just beyond the trees towards the upper left-hand side of the page. The gold course was located between Marlton Pike and the Cooper River east of Browning Road (visible in this photo), which was the eastern edge of the airport.
Click on Image to Enlarge
Helena, Montana Independent - November 6, 1931 Five Killed When
New Jersey Plane CrashesBODIES OF ALL VICTIMS BURNED,
AS SHIP FLAMES...continued...
...continued... Click on Image to Enlarge
Associated Press - November 5, 1931
Click on Images to Enlarge
Lt. Lucas - about 1918
Charleston, West Virginia Daily Mail - November 6, 1931 Click on Images to Enlarge
Reno, Nevada Evening Gazette - November 6, 1931
Helena, Montana Independent
November 6, 1931
Helena, Montana
Independent
November 6, 1931
Lockheed Vega
This plane belonged to rival Continental Airlines
The Lockheed Vega was the plane of choice for any ling-distance aviators,
including Amelia Earhart & Wiley Post.
