July 1, 1920 – Chicago, Illinois
On November 16, 1920, pilot Ralph Reed was flying the Salt Lake City, Utah to Chicago, Illinois route. About 6½ miles southwest of Rantoul, Illinois, at about 1,000 feet, his motor cut out. In trying to make a nearby field, Reed hit a fence with his lower right wing. That swung the ship around causing him to land just inside the field. Damage included a broken lower right wing, propeller, landing gear, struts, and radiator.
Reed was suspended by Second Assistant Postmaster General Otto Praeger after this accident, pending investigation. He left the service shortly thereafter.
Record of Reed's flying times.
- Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration
On September 9, 1920, Praeger sent this telegram to Superintendent Egge approving Reed's suspension.
- Courtesy of the National Archives and Records Administration
