One of three people killed in a local plane crash
Funeral services of William Jennings Bryan Heflin were held Tuesday afternoon October 8, 1929 at the Christian Church at Huntsville, conducted by Rev. Herndon of Centralia, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. Feb. Boulton, the pastor, assisted in the services.
Rev. Alexander, Frank Lyon, Victor Ellis and Oliver Summers assisted by Silvia Rucker furnished the music. Rev. Herndon who had known the deceased a long while spoke many good things of the life of Bryan and also paid a beautiful tribute to W. J. Bryan for whom he was named. Bryan was 32 years old.
Bryan Heflin and Miss Callie Fullington were married Oct 1, 1919. They had no children.
Bryan is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Mamie Vanderhoeff of St. James, Mo., five sisters, Mrs. Opal Hern of Moberly, Mrs. Christine Freeman of Kansas City, Mrs. Jesse Barron of Huntsville, and Mrs. Cleo Vanderhoeff of Wichita, and Miss elma Faye Feflin of Wichita: and one borther, Clifford Heflin of Moberly.
Four aunts survive him, namely: Mrs. Will Burton of near Huntsville, Mrs. Artie Terrill, Mrs. Susie Lewis, and Mrs. Christine Bohm, of Kansas City.
October 10, 1929 Randolph County Times
From Moberly Monitor-Index, Monday, 10-7-1929, pg. 1, pg 8, Ancestry.com
THREE DIE IN PLANE CRASH HERE
MANY WATCH GIRL, YOUTH AND AVIATOR HEFLIN FALL
Miss Deldee Hardin and Paul S. Roland Killed Instantly; Piolt Dies Later
NO BLAME FIXED BY JURY THIS MORNING
Second Inquest to Be Held Tonight---Fred Bell, Plane's Owner, Denies Stunting.
Falling into what witnesses describe as two tail spins, a Waco biplane, 1928 model, crashed to the ground Sunday afternoon at the proposed airport near the intersection of Highways 63 and 24. Two passengers, Paul Roland and Miss Deldee Hardin, both of Moberly, were killed almost instantly and the pilot of the ship Bryan Heflin, also of Moberly, died at McCormick's Hospital a few hours later.
At a coroner's inquest held at the courthouse this morning into the deaths of Roland and Miss Hardin, the jury fixed no blame for the crash, merely returning a verdict of death as a result of a airplane crash in a plane piloted by Heflin.
Seond Inquest Tonight
The jury which heard the testimony, taken before Corner C. H. Dixon, was composed of Fred Reiss, Lyle Evans, Ray Turner, Ed Forbis, M. Finnell and H. J. Turner.
A more detailed investigation is expected tonight when the coroner will hold an inquest into Heflin's death.
Relatives of Miss Hardin and of Heflin witnessed the tragedy, Mrs. Heflin reaching the fallen plane just as the body of her husband was picked up and placed in an automobile which rushed hom to the hospital. A sister of Heflin, Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman of Kansas City, at the time of the plane crash was preparing to make a parachute jump and was arranging the apparatus to be used in performing the stunt. Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Marshall, relatives of Miss Hardin, were among the spectators.
Hundreds at Field
Th accident,, which stunned hundreds of persons gathered at the field to see a flying exhibition, came at 4:45 p.m. following about two hours of flying by Heflin and W. Burton Keeble a St. Louis pilot. During this time the two men had carried aloft a number of people, each plane having made about twelve trips. Keeble had left the field and was downtown when Heflin took off for what was destined to be his last flight. He had as passengers Roland and Miss Hardin.
The plan pursued the same course as those previously taken, and was sailing smoothly at a point about a mile south and east of its take-off place when Heflin made what was described as a "vertical bank" with the apparent intention, according to some witnesses, of preparing for a landing. He came out of this bank in good shape and seemed to be sailing with no indication of what was soon to follow.
When about 1500 feet in the air, the plane went into what is called a "tail spin" and, revolving rapidly and apparently out of control, fell to a point variously estimated from 200 to 400 feet above the ground.
Out of One Into Another
Heflin, with apparent great difficulty, took the plane out of this spin only to have it fall into another tail spin and crash in a corn field. Fred Bell, owner of the plane which fell, testified this morning at the coroner's inquest that Charles Fowler, Macon, described as an aviation expert, state that from the position of the fallen plane and his knowledge of aviation he believe that had there been 60 more feet of space the plane would have cleared the ground or at least landed on its running gear. Fowler said, according to Bell, that it appeared to him as if the ship was just about to emerge from the spin when it met the ground. Bell stated that in his opinion Fowler was right in his observation.
Bell testified that the plane was in good mechanical condition yesterday, that he had flown it to Macon Friday to scatter advertising matter and that both Heflin and himself had gone over the plane Saturday to see that it was in good condition for the Sunday flights. New spark plugs were installed, wiring's tightened up and the engine was found to be working well at that time, Mr. Bell said.
The total hours of flying charged against the plane, the owner said, were less than 100, which he declared is considered very light and not such as to work injury to the mechanism.
Denies "Stunting"
Stunting with the plane while carrying passengers for pay was never attempted by Heflin under an agreement between the two men. Bell said in giving testimony before the coroner's jury. "Bryan told me it was too dangerous to undertake and I agreed with him. I have never seen hi do it and don't believe he was attempting any stunts on the flight which ended in a crash. I think it was just one of those things that is apt to happen to any plane and any pilot," Bell gave as his opinion.
Funeral Services
Miss Hardin's body has been taken to the family residence, 922 South Fourth street. Dr. C. S. Brooks will conduct funeral services at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Central Christian church and burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.
Mr. Roland's body will remain at the Mahan Funeral Parlors until after a funeral service which the Rev. Allen Duncan, pastor of the Coates Street Presbyterian Church, will conduct at 7:30 o'clock tonight from the Mahan Chapel. The funeral party will then go to Libertville, Ia., on No. 11 Wabash, tonight for burial tomorrow. Services here will be under the auspices of the Masonic bodies and the Knights Templar will furnish an escort.
Heflin, whose full name was William Jennings Bryan Heflin, was 32 years old.
The body was taken to the Patton Funeral Parlors at Huntsville last night and was returned to the home at 444 East Rollins street today. It will be returned to Huntsville tomorrow for the funeral at 2:30 o'clock from the Huntsville Christian Church. The Rev. Mr. Herndon of Centralia will conduct the service. Burial will be at Huntsville.
Surviving Relatives
Miss Hardin is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mollie Hardin, 922 S. Fourth street; three sisters, Mrs. Sam Megown, Renick, Miss Louise Hardin, Moberly, and Mrs. Roy Cravens, Huntsville; and four brothers, Edgar, Murray and Roy Hardin Moberly, and J. R. Hardin, Marceline.
She had been employed by Goddard-White, wholesale auto supply company, for several years as a bookkeeper and stenographer. At one time she was society editor for the Monitor-Index.
Mr. Roland is survived by his Mother, Mrs. Lee Roland, 809 South Clark street; an aunt, Mrs. B. M. Stansbury, Moberly; and two cousins, Glenn Stansbury and Mrs. G. C. Dossey, both of Moberly. He had lived in Moberly about eight years. He was a switchman for the Wabash until recently but was employed as a mechanic for the Moberly Motor Company at the time of his death.
He was a member of Moberly Lodge A. F. & A. M., 344, Chapter No. 79, Royal Arch Masons, and was commander of Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Heflin is survived by his widow; his mother, Mrs. Bert Vanderhoef, St. James, Mo.; one brother, Clifford Heflin; four sisters, Mrs. Opal hern, Mrs. Orienne Barron, Mrs. Christine Freeman, Miss Elma Heflin; and Miss Cleo Vanderhoef a half-sister.
Learning to Fly
"I am no pilot, just learning to fly under teaching of Bryan heflin," Bell testified. "My plane was being used by Heflin on a profit sharing basis, I furnished the plane, he did the flying and we paid for the gasoline and advertising out of the gross receipts and were to divide what profits there were. Trips were charged for at the rate of $3 for one person or $5 for two if taken up at the same time. I have never made any attempt to carry passengers as I am not qualified. I have never operated the plane by myself, have never done any solo flying."
The plane was not licensed by the Department of Commerce and Heflin had not been granted a government license as a pilot, though application had been made in both cases, Bell said. He added that the Department of Commerce had advised him that the permits would be forthcoming in due course of time and he thought it all right to fly the plane pending arrival of the licenses.
Bought Second Hand
"I bought my plane August 24, 1929, from R. B. Troutman of Ethel, Mo. and before making the purchase I went to the dealer in Kansas City who sold the plane to Mr. Troutman and asked him about it. He told me he would consider the plane a good one if it had not been misused. He told me that Mr. Troutman had ordered some parts to repair minor damage caused the plane when a strong wind had blown it over while on the ground but that the repairs were such as could easily be made and would not affect the safety of the plane."
The plane had been used for his own instruction. Bell stated, that being in his opinion and the opinion of those with whom he had conferred the best and cheapest way to learn the flying game. It allowed him time to follow his work as a carpenter and learn to fly in idle hours. "We have mostly carried personal friends and without pay," Bell recounted. The only stunting done was under such condition or when people taking lessons from Bryan Heflin were in the plane and that was not often nor were the stunts of a very dangerous kind."
Bryan Heflin was recognized as a cool-headed, capable flyer by those who knew him, Bell said, adding that he could have had employment at several schools, including one at Marshall and one at St. Joseph
Motor Turned Off
"He always told me that the first thing to do in case of trouble was to shut off the motor and that must have been what he did yesterday, for it was shut off when inspected after the crash. Had he not done that I guess the plane would have burned up after it hit the ground."
Asked as to whether the engine is usually shut off in event of tail spins, Bell said that was his understanding and instruction from Heflin.
Heflin carried a "license permit" Bell testified. He said Heflin had more than 1,000 hours flying experience, and that only 200 hours was required for a license, but that the pilot had neglected to take a required medical examination.
Neglected Medical Tests
"He told me," he added, "that his license was here and he had 90 days to take the medical examination and he just neglected it and didn't take it, but in the meantime a new rule was adopted requiring a course in meteorology, and Mr. Heflin was taking the course in the Marshall school preparing to take that examination to complete his license."
Asked if the license permit allowed Heflin to fly in the meantime and to carry passengers, Mr. Bell said, "My understanding is it did."
Under federal laws governing aviation a plane has to be licensed before a licensed pilot is allowed to fly it with passengers, Bell said, but he was of the opinion that the license granted the man from whom he had bought the plane still held good, although it had not as yet been transferred to him by the Department of Commerce aviation section.
A "nose dive" was described as a "straight plane dive without spinning." In a tail spin the motor is always shut-off," the witness said.
"There is a rumor current that these passengers had paid for a stunt ride," Bell was told. He replied, "They had nothing but the regular tickets. Stunt rides are sold for much more." Mrs. Heflin sold the tickets to Roland and Miss Hardin, Bell said.
Stunt Rides Refused
"We sometimes have passengers to come up and want what you call a stunt ride." the owner of the plane said. "We had two yesterday just a few minutes before the crash, and I told them we couldn't sell a stunt ride.
"I know Bryan took some of his friends and sometimes did a good, steep, vertical bank, and I don't think that is considered stunting. Nose dives, tail spins and loops are considered stunting. I have never seen Mr. Heflin stunt outside of a vertical bank or wing-over with some personal friends of his.
"We have talked all the time, 'No stunts to be done with passengers.'"
Describing the plane's fall, Bell said: "I noticed the plane make the first spin. It spun from a height, I would judge, of about 2,000 feet, and I don't believe it was done on purpose, because from what I know of Mr. Heflin and from what he had said, I don't believe he would do it and I have never seen him with anybody. He spun farther than I have ever seen anybody spin a plane."
Describes a "Spin"
Asked to describe a "spin," Mr. Bell said:
"The plane goes down nose first, and revolves round and round, straight down, but spinning around real slow, like a corkscrew.
"He gained control and came out of that first spin as nicely as any pilot could, and he was coming over the field and went into a bank to make the turn to land. Then he went into a second spin out of this bank at an altitude not high enough to get out of it. I understand that there never was a plane made that wouldn't spin."
Brother Testifies
Clifford Heflin of Sinnock avenue, a brother of the dead pilot, said he had assisted with the sale of tickets at the flying field and that he had sold four. Describing the plane's fall, he said:
"Just prior to the crash I saw him coming in what I call a nose dive. He was about 2,000 feet high; I can't tell exactly, but it was a good distance. It looked to me like he had a good altitude when he came out of this spin, about 1,000 feet or more.
"He came down six or seven revolutions, looked to me like, before he righted himself. He came out of the spin an came over the grounds, flying as good as he always did, and when he turned around to make the landing it looked like it slipped on him and turned into a nose dive---didn't look like it was his intention. It went into a slip on him and he lost control of it, it seemed to me.
Other Witnesses
Other witnessed told of seeing the plane fall and of finding the crumpled and badly mashed and broken bodies. Among those were Cabe McAllister, who lives on Sinnock avenue about 200 yards from where the plane crashed; C. R. Rayburn 808 Promenade; Emmett Hopson, 813 Jefferon Ave., and Frank DeWitt, undertaker.
Driven Into Ground
The engine and a part of the forefront of the plane was driven into the ground and the plane was badly shattered. Shortly after the accident it was a complete mass of wreckage due to efforts to remove the bodies in the plane and the activities of souvenir hunters. Today the plane was further demolished when hundreds of persons went to view the scene of the accident.
Other Pilot Licensed
Keeble, the other pilot yesterday, is a student in Washington University at St. Louis and does flying to help pay his expenses. He is said to be a licensed pilot and was flying a licensed plane. He had previous experience in a naval school, according to John Freeman, Jr., who knows Keeble and who had ridden with him yesterday for about an hour.
Two Moberly young men counted themselves lucky following the accident. Henry Doerrie, 116 West Wightman street, and Earl Johnson, 501 South Morley street, say they were to have gone up on the trip, but before they could get to the plane cabin Mr. Roland and Miss Hardin got into the plane. The two boys are planning to take up flying, they said. Roland and Miss Hardin also are reported to have been arranging to learn how to fly a plane.
Following the crash, the bodies of Roland and Miss Hardin were found in the cockpit of the plane. Both died almost instantly and before they could be given any kind of first aid. The lower parts of their bodies were caught between the broken flooring of the cockpit and the engine. Heflin was found in the compartment from which he navigated the plane, but was not pinioned. The wide canvass straps placed about the bodies of each to safeguard their falling out were snapped in two, evidencing the force with which the plane hit the ground.
Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman, sister of Bryan Heflin, who was to have made her first parachute jump from an airplane and who was going into the air almost immediately following the flight which ended in tragedy, had been supplied with a parachute from Macon and had it all ready for adjustment when she saw the plane her brother was driving fall. Mrs. Heflin, wife of the dead flyer, had intended to make the jump but is understood to have yielded to the wishes of Mrs. Freeman that she be allowed the experience.
Mrs. Heflin made a parachute jump from a height of 2200 feet in 1926, her first experience of the kind, according to statements made by Mr. Heflin when he was arranging his flight program. The Heflins lived on a farm south of Huntsville and west of Moberly before coming to Moberly to reside at 444 East Rollins street.
Graduate of High School
Paul Roland, son of Mrs. Bell Roland, 809 South Clark street, was a graduate of the High School class of 1918 and was prominent in his school's activities, starring on the school football team.
He was employed by the Moberly Motor Co. and formerly was a switchman for the Wabash. His father, Lee Roland, died several years ago. He and Miss Hardin had been closest of friends for several years and where one was the other usually was to be seen.
Miss Hardin, a daughter of the late John R. Hardin, resided with her mother, Mrs. Mollie H. Hardin, at 922 South Fourth street. She came to Moberly several years ago when the family moved to Moberly from Renick. She was employed by Goddard & White, an had an especially wide circle of friends.
-article from contributor Tom Waters
-Obit thanks to contributor KKaye
Funeral services of William Jennings Bryan Heflin were held Tuesday afternoon October 8, 1929 at the Christian Church at Huntsville, conducted by Rev. Herndon of Centralia, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. Feb. Boulton, the pastor, assisted in the services.
Rev. Alexander, Frank Lyon, Victor Ellis and Oliver Summers assisted by Silvia Rucker furnished the music. Rev. Herndon who had known the deceased a long while spoke many good things of the life of Bryan and also paid a beautiful tribute to W. J. Bryan for whom he was named. Bryan was 32 years old.
Bryan Heflin and Miss Callie Fullington were married Oct 1, 1919. They had no children.
Bryan is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Mamie Vanderhoeff of St. James, Mo., five sisters, Mrs. Opal Hern of Moberly, Mrs. Christine Freeman of Kansas City, Mrs. Jesse Barron of Huntsville, and Mrs. Cleo Vanderhoeff of Wichita, and Miss elma Faye Feflin of Wichita: and one borther, Clifford Heflin of Moberly.
Four aunts survive him, namely: Mrs. Will Burton of near Huntsville, Mrs. Artie Terrill, Mrs. Susie Lewis, and Mrs. Christine Bohm, of Kansas City.
October 10, 1929 Randolph County Times
From Moberly Monitor-Index, Monday, 10-7-1929, pg. 1, pg 8, Ancestry.com
THREE DIE IN PLANE CRASH HERE
MANY WATCH GIRL, YOUTH AND AVIATOR HEFLIN FALL
Miss Deldee Hardin and Paul S. Roland Killed Instantly; Piolt Dies Later
NO BLAME FIXED BY JURY THIS MORNING
Second Inquest to Be Held Tonight---Fred Bell, Plane's Owner, Denies Stunting.
Falling into what witnesses describe as two tail spins, a Waco biplane, 1928 model, crashed to the ground Sunday afternoon at the proposed airport near the intersection of Highways 63 and 24. Two passengers, Paul Roland and Miss Deldee Hardin, both of Moberly, were killed almost instantly and the pilot of the ship Bryan Heflin, also of Moberly, died at McCormick's Hospital a few hours later.
At a coroner's inquest held at the courthouse this morning into the deaths of Roland and Miss Hardin, the jury fixed no blame for the crash, merely returning a verdict of death as a result of a airplane crash in a plane piloted by Heflin.
Seond Inquest Tonight
The jury which heard the testimony, taken before Corner C. H. Dixon, was composed of Fred Reiss, Lyle Evans, Ray Turner, Ed Forbis, M. Finnell and H. J. Turner.
A more detailed investigation is expected tonight when the coroner will hold an inquest into Heflin's death.
Relatives of Miss Hardin and of Heflin witnessed the tragedy, Mrs. Heflin reaching the fallen plane just as the body of her husband was picked up and placed in an automobile which rushed hom to the hospital. A sister of Heflin, Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman of Kansas City, at the time of the plane crash was preparing to make a parachute jump and was arranging the apparatus to be used in performing the stunt. Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Marshall, relatives of Miss Hardin, were among the spectators.
Hundreds at Field
Th accident,, which stunned hundreds of persons gathered at the field to see a flying exhibition, came at 4:45 p.m. following about two hours of flying by Heflin and W. Burton Keeble a St. Louis pilot. During this time the two men had carried aloft a number of people, each plane having made about twelve trips. Keeble had left the field and was downtown when Heflin took off for what was destined to be his last flight. He had as passengers Roland and Miss Hardin.
The plan pursued the same course as those previously taken, and was sailing smoothly at a point about a mile south and east of its take-off place when Heflin made what was described as a "vertical bank" with the apparent intention, according to some witnesses, of preparing for a landing. He came out of this bank in good shape and seemed to be sailing with no indication of what was soon to follow.
When about 1500 feet in the air, the plane went into what is called a "tail spin" and, revolving rapidly and apparently out of control, fell to a point variously estimated from 200 to 400 feet above the ground.
Out of One Into Another
Heflin, with apparent great difficulty, took the plane out of this spin only to have it fall into another tail spin and crash in a corn field. Fred Bell, owner of the plane which fell, testified this morning at the coroner's inquest that Charles Fowler, Macon, described as an aviation expert, state that from the position of the fallen plane and his knowledge of aviation he believe that had there been 60 more feet of space the plane would have cleared the ground or at least landed on its running gear. Fowler said, according to Bell, that it appeared to him as if the ship was just about to emerge from the spin when it met the ground. Bell stated that in his opinion Fowler was right in his observation.
Bell testified that the plane was in good mechanical condition yesterday, that he had flown it to Macon Friday to scatter advertising matter and that both Heflin and himself had gone over the plane Saturday to see that it was in good condition for the Sunday flights. New spark plugs were installed, wiring's tightened up and the engine was found to be working well at that time, Mr. Bell said.
The total hours of flying charged against the plane, the owner said, were less than 100, which he declared is considered very light and not such as to work injury to the mechanism.
Denies "Stunting"
Stunting with the plane while carrying passengers for pay was never attempted by Heflin under an agreement between the two men. Bell said in giving testimony before the coroner's jury. "Bryan told me it was too dangerous to undertake and I agreed with him. I have never seen hi do it and don't believe he was attempting any stunts on the flight which ended in a crash. I think it was just one of those things that is apt to happen to any plane and any pilot," Bell gave as his opinion.
Funeral Services
Miss Hardin's body has been taken to the family residence, 922 South Fourth street. Dr. C. S. Brooks will conduct funeral services at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Central Christian church and burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.
Mr. Roland's body will remain at the Mahan Funeral Parlors until after a funeral service which the Rev. Allen Duncan, pastor of the Coates Street Presbyterian Church, will conduct at 7:30 o'clock tonight from the Mahan Chapel. The funeral party will then go to Libertville, Ia., on No. 11 Wabash, tonight for burial tomorrow. Services here will be under the auspices of the Masonic bodies and the Knights Templar will furnish an escort.
Heflin, whose full name was William Jennings Bryan Heflin, was 32 years old.
The body was taken to the Patton Funeral Parlors at Huntsville last night and was returned to the home at 444 East Rollins street today. It will be returned to Huntsville tomorrow for the funeral at 2:30 o'clock from the Huntsville Christian Church. The Rev. Mr. Herndon of Centralia will conduct the service. Burial will be at Huntsville.
Surviving Relatives
Miss Hardin is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mollie Hardin, 922 S. Fourth street; three sisters, Mrs. Sam Megown, Renick, Miss Louise Hardin, Moberly, and Mrs. Roy Cravens, Huntsville; and four brothers, Edgar, Murray and Roy Hardin Moberly, and J. R. Hardin, Marceline.
She had been employed by Goddard-White, wholesale auto supply company, for several years as a bookkeeper and stenographer. At one time she was society editor for the Monitor-Index.
Mr. Roland is survived by his Mother, Mrs. Lee Roland, 809 South Clark street; an aunt, Mrs. B. M. Stansbury, Moberly; and two cousins, Glenn Stansbury and Mrs. G. C. Dossey, both of Moberly. He had lived in Moberly about eight years. He was a switchman for the Wabash until recently but was employed as a mechanic for the Moberly Motor Company at the time of his death.
He was a member of Moberly Lodge A. F. & A. M., 344, Chapter No. 79, Royal Arch Masons, and was commander of Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Heflin is survived by his widow; his mother, Mrs. Bert Vanderhoef, St. James, Mo.; one brother, Clifford Heflin; four sisters, Mrs. Opal hern, Mrs. Orienne Barron, Mrs. Christine Freeman, Miss Elma Heflin; and Miss Cleo Vanderhoef a half-sister.
Learning to Fly
"I am no pilot, just learning to fly under teaching of Bryan heflin," Bell testified. "My plane was being used by Heflin on a profit sharing basis, I furnished the plane, he did the flying and we paid for the gasoline and advertising out of the gross receipts and were to divide what profits there were. Trips were charged for at the rate of $3 for one person or $5 for two if taken up at the same time. I have never made any attempt to carry passengers as I am not qualified. I have never operated the plane by myself, have never done any solo flying."
The plane was not licensed by the Department of Commerce and Heflin had not been granted a government license as a pilot, though application had been made in both cases, Bell said. He added that the Department of Commerce had advised him that the permits would be forthcoming in due course of time and he thought it all right to fly the plane pending arrival of the licenses.
Bought Second Hand
"I bought my plane August 24, 1929, from R. B. Troutman of Ethel, Mo. and before making the purchase I went to the dealer in Kansas City who sold the plane to Mr. Troutman and asked him about it. He told me he would consider the plane a good one if it had not been misused. He told me that Mr. Troutman had ordered some parts to repair minor damage caused the plane when a strong wind had blown it over while on the ground but that the repairs were such as could easily be made and would not affect the safety of the plane."
The plane had been used for his own instruction. Bell stated, that being in his opinion and the opinion of those with whom he had conferred the best and cheapest way to learn the flying game. It allowed him time to follow his work as a carpenter and learn to fly in idle hours. "We have mostly carried personal friends and without pay," Bell recounted. The only stunting done was under such condition or when people taking lessons from Bryan Heflin were in the plane and that was not often nor were the stunts of a very dangerous kind."
Bryan Heflin was recognized as a cool-headed, capable flyer by those who knew him, Bell said, adding that he could have had employment at several schools, including one at Marshall and one at St. Joseph
Motor Turned Off
"He always told me that the first thing to do in case of trouble was to shut off the motor and that must have been what he did yesterday, for it was shut off when inspected after the crash. Had he not done that I guess the plane would have burned up after it hit the ground."
Asked as to whether the engine is usually shut off in event of tail spins, Bell said that was his understanding and instruction from Heflin.
Heflin carried a "license permit" Bell testified. He said Heflin had more than 1,000 hours flying experience, and that only 200 hours was required for a license, but that the pilot had neglected to take a required medical examination.
Neglected Medical Tests
"He told me," he added, "that his license was here and he had 90 days to take the medical examination and he just neglected it and didn't take it, but in the meantime a new rule was adopted requiring a course in meteorology, and Mr. Heflin was taking the course in the Marshall school preparing to take that examination to complete his license."
Asked if the license permit allowed Heflin to fly in the meantime and to carry passengers, Mr. Bell said, "My understanding is it did."
Under federal laws governing aviation a plane has to be licensed before a licensed pilot is allowed to fly it with passengers, Bell said, but he was of the opinion that the license granted the man from whom he had bought the plane still held good, although it had not as yet been transferred to him by the Department of Commerce aviation section.
A "nose dive" was described as a "straight plane dive without spinning." In a tail spin the motor is always shut-off," the witness said.
"There is a rumor current that these passengers had paid for a stunt ride," Bell was told. He replied, "They had nothing but the regular tickets. Stunt rides are sold for much more." Mrs. Heflin sold the tickets to Roland and Miss Hardin, Bell said.
Stunt Rides Refused
"We sometimes have passengers to come up and want what you call a stunt ride." the owner of the plane said. "We had two yesterday just a few minutes before the crash, and I told them we couldn't sell a stunt ride.
"I know Bryan took some of his friends and sometimes did a good, steep, vertical bank, and I don't think that is considered stunting. Nose dives, tail spins and loops are considered stunting. I have never seen Mr. Heflin stunt outside of a vertical bank or wing-over with some personal friends of his.
"We have talked all the time, 'No stunts to be done with passengers.'"
Describing the plane's fall, Bell said: "I noticed the plane make the first spin. It spun from a height, I would judge, of about 2,000 feet, and I don't believe it was done on purpose, because from what I know of Mr. Heflin and from what he had said, I don't believe he would do it and I have never seen him with anybody. He spun farther than I have ever seen anybody spin a plane."
Describes a "Spin"
Asked to describe a "spin," Mr. Bell said:
"The plane goes down nose first, and revolves round and round, straight down, but spinning around real slow, like a corkscrew.
"He gained control and came out of that first spin as nicely as any pilot could, and he was coming over the field and went into a bank to make the turn to land. Then he went into a second spin out of this bank at an altitude not high enough to get out of it. I understand that there never was a plane made that wouldn't spin."
Brother Testifies
Clifford Heflin of Sinnock avenue, a brother of the dead pilot, said he had assisted with the sale of tickets at the flying field and that he had sold four. Describing the plane's fall, he said:
"Just prior to the crash I saw him coming in what I call a nose dive. He was about 2,000 feet high; I can't tell exactly, but it was a good distance. It looked to me like he had a good altitude when he came out of this spin, about 1,000 feet or more.
"He came down six or seven revolutions, looked to me like, before he righted himself. He came out of the spin an came over the grounds, flying as good as he always did, and when he turned around to make the landing it looked like it slipped on him and turned into a nose dive---didn't look like it was his intention. It went into a slip on him and he lost control of it, it seemed to me.
Other Witnesses
Other witnessed told of seeing the plane fall and of finding the crumpled and badly mashed and broken bodies. Among those were Cabe McAllister, who lives on Sinnock avenue about 200 yards from where the plane crashed; C. R. Rayburn 808 Promenade; Emmett Hopson, 813 Jefferon Ave., and Frank DeWitt, undertaker.
Driven Into Ground
The engine and a part of the forefront of the plane was driven into the ground and the plane was badly shattered. Shortly after the accident it was a complete mass of wreckage due to efforts to remove the bodies in the plane and the activities of souvenir hunters. Today the plane was further demolished when hundreds of persons went to view the scene of the accident.
Other Pilot Licensed
Keeble, the other pilot yesterday, is a student in Washington University at St. Louis and does flying to help pay his expenses. He is said to be a licensed pilot and was flying a licensed plane. He had previous experience in a naval school, according to John Freeman, Jr., who knows Keeble and who had ridden with him yesterday for about an hour.
Two Moberly young men counted themselves lucky following the accident. Henry Doerrie, 116 West Wightman street, and Earl Johnson, 501 South Morley street, say they were to have gone up on the trip, but before they could get to the plane cabin Mr. Roland and Miss Hardin got into the plane. The two boys are planning to take up flying, they said. Roland and Miss Hardin also are reported to have been arranging to learn how to fly a plane.
Following the crash, the bodies of Roland and Miss Hardin were found in the cockpit of the plane. Both died almost instantly and before they could be given any kind of first aid. The lower parts of their bodies were caught between the broken flooring of the cockpit and the engine. Heflin was found in the compartment from which he navigated the plane, but was not pinioned. The wide canvass straps placed about the bodies of each to safeguard their falling out were snapped in two, evidencing the force with which the plane hit the ground.
Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman, sister of Bryan Heflin, who was to have made her first parachute jump from an airplane and who was going into the air almost immediately following the flight which ended in tragedy, had been supplied with a parachute from Macon and had it all ready for adjustment when she saw the plane her brother was driving fall. Mrs. Heflin, wife of the dead flyer, had intended to make the jump but is understood to have yielded to the wishes of Mrs. Freeman that she be allowed the experience.
Mrs. Heflin made a parachute jump from a height of 2200 feet in 1926, her first experience of the kind, according to statements made by Mr. Heflin when he was arranging his flight program. The Heflins lived on a farm south of Huntsville and west of Moberly before coming to Moberly to reside at 444 East Rollins street.
Graduate of High School
Paul Roland, son of Mrs. Bell Roland, 809 South Clark street, was a graduate of the High School class of 1918 and was prominent in his school's activities, starring on the school football team.
He was employed by the Moberly Motor Co. and formerly was a switchman for the Wabash. His father, Lee Roland, died several years ago. He and Miss Hardin had been closest of friends for several years and where one was the other usually was to be seen.
Miss Hardin, a daughter of the late John R. Hardin, resided with her mother, Mrs. Mollie H. Hardin, at 922 South Fourth street. She came to Moberly several years ago when the family moved to Moberly from Renick. She was employed by Goddard & White, an had an especially wide circle of friends.
-article from contributor Tom Waters
-Obit thanks to contributor KKaye
One of three people killed in a local plane crash
Funeral services of William Jennings Bryan Heflin were held Tuesday afternoon October 8, 1929 at the Christian Church at Huntsville, conducted by Rev. Herndon of Centralia, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. Feb. Boulton, the pastor, assisted in the services.
Rev. Alexander, Frank Lyon, Victor Ellis and Oliver Summers assisted by Silvia Rucker furnished the music. Rev. Herndon who had known the deceased a long while spoke many good things of the life of Bryan and also paid a beautiful tribute to W. J. Bryan for whom he was named. Bryan was 32 years old.
Bryan Heflin and Miss Callie Fullington were married Oct 1, 1919. They had no children.
Bryan is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Mamie Vanderhoeff of St. James, Mo., five sisters, Mrs. Opal Hern of Moberly, Mrs. Christine Freeman of Kansas City, Mrs. Jesse Barron of Huntsville, and Mrs. Cleo Vanderhoeff of Wichita, and Miss elma Faye Feflin of Wichita: and one borther, Clifford Heflin of Moberly.
Four aunts survive him, namely: Mrs. Will Burton of near Huntsville, Mrs. Artie Terrill, Mrs. Susie Lewis, and Mrs. Christine Bohm, of Kansas City.
October 10, 1929 Randolph County Times
From Moberly Monitor-Index, Monday, 10-7-1929, pg. 1, pg 8, Ancestry.com
THREE DIE IN PLANE CRASH HERE
MANY WATCH GIRL, YOUTH AND AVIATOR HEFLIN FALL
Miss Deldee Hardin and Paul S. Roland Killed Instantly; Piolt Dies Later
NO BLAME FIXED BY JURY THIS MORNING
Second Inquest to Be Held Tonight---Fred Bell, Plane's Owner, Denies Stunting.
Falling into what witnesses describe as two tail spins, a Waco biplane, 1928 model, crashed to the ground Sunday afternoon at the proposed airport near the intersection of Highways 63 and 24. Two passengers, Paul Roland and Miss Deldee Hardin, both of Moberly, were killed almost instantly and the pilot of the ship Bryan Heflin, also of Moberly, died at McCormick's Hospital a few hours later.
At a coroner's inquest held at the courthouse this morning into the deaths of Roland and Miss Hardin, the jury fixed no blame for the crash, merely returning a verdict of death as a result of a airplane crash in a plane piloted by Heflin.
Seond Inquest Tonight
The jury which heard the testimony, taken before Corner C. H. Dixon, was composed of Fred Reiss, Lyle Evans, Ray Turner, Ed Forbis, M. Finnell and H. J. Turner.
A more detailed investigation is expected tonight when the coroner will hold an inquest into Heflin's death.
Relatives of Miss Hardin and of Heflin witnessed the tragedy, Mrs. Heflin reaching the fallen plane just as the body of her husband was picked up and placed in an automobile which rushed hom to the hospital. A sister of Heflin, Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman of Kansas City, at the time of the plane crash was preparing to make a parachute jump and was arranging the apparatus to be used in performing the stunt. Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Marshall, relatives of Miss Hardin, were among the spectators.
Hundreds at Field
Th accident,, which stunned hundreds of persons gathered at the field to see a flying exhibition, came at 4:45 p.m. following about two hours of flying by Heflin and W. Burton Keeble a St. Louis pilot. During this time the two men had carried aloft a number of people, each plane having made about twelve trips. Keeble had left the field and was downtown when Heflin took off for what was destined to be his last flight. He had as passengers Roland and Miss Hardin.
The plan pursued the same course as those previously taken, and was sailing smoothly at a point about a mile south and east of its take-off place when Heflin made what was described as a "vertical bank" with the apparent intention, according to some witnesses, of preparing for a landing. He came out of this bank in good shape and seemed to be sailing with no indication of what was soon to follow.
When about 1500 feet in the air, the plane went into what is called a "tail spin" and, revolving rapidly and apparently out of control, fell to a point variously estimated from 200 to 400 feet above the ground.
Out of One Into Another
Heflin, with apparent great difficulty, took the plane out of this spin only to have it fall into another tail spin and crash in a corn field. Fred Bell, owner of the plane which fell, testified this morning at the coroner's inquest that Charles Fowler, Macon, described as an aviation expert, state that from the position of the fallen plane and his knowledge of aviation he believe that had there been 60 more feet of space the plane would have cleared the ground or at least landed on its running gear. Fowler said, according to Bell, that it appeared to him as if the ship was just about to emerge from the spin when it met the ground. Bell stated that in his opinion Fowler was right in his observation.
Bell testified that the plane was in good mechanical condition yesterday, that he had flown it to Macon Friday to scatter advertising matter and that both Heflin and himself had gone over the plane Saturday to see that it was in good condition for the Sunday flights. New spark plugs were installed, wiring's tightened up and the engine was found to be working well at that time, Mr. Bell said.
The total hours of flying charged against the plane, the owner said, were less than 100, which he declared is considered very light and not such as to work injury to the mechanism.
Denies "Stunting"
Stunting with the plane while carrying passengers for pay was never attempted by Heflin under an agreement between the two men. Bell said in giving testimony before the coroner's jury. "Bryan told me it was too dangerous to undertake and I agreed with him. I have never seen hi do it and don't believe he was attempting any stunts on the flight which ended in a crash. I think it was just one of those things that is apt to happen to any plane and any pilot," Bell gave as his opinion.
Funeral Services
Miss Hardin's body has been taken to the family residence, 922 South Fourth street. Dr. C. S. Brooks will conduct funeral services at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Central Christian church and burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.
Mr. Roland's body will remain at the Mahan Funeral Parlors until after a funeral service which the Rev. Allen Duncan, pastor of the Coates Street Presbyterian Church, will conduct at 7:30 o'clock tonight from the Mahan Chapel. The funeral party will then go to Libertville, Ia., on No. 11 Wabash, tonight for burial tomorrow. Services here will be under the auspices of the Masonic bodies and the Knights Templar will furnish an escort.
Heflin, whose full name was William Jennings Bryan Heflin, was 32 years old.
The body was taken to the Patton Funeral Parlors at Huntsville last night and was returned to the home at 444 East Rollins street today. It will be returned to Huntsville tomorrow for the funeral at 2:30 o'clock from the Huntsville Christian Church. The Rev. Mr. Herndon of Centralia will conduct the service. Burial will be at Huntsville.
Surviving Relatives
Miss Hardin is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mollie Hardin, 922 S. Fourth street; three sisters, Mrs. Sam Megown, Renick, Miss Louise Hardin, Moberly, and Mrs. Roy Cravens, Huntsville; and four brothers, Edgar, Murray and Roy Hardin Moberly, and J. R. Hardin, Marceline.
She had been employed by Goddard-White, wholesale auto supply company, for several years as a bookkeeper and stenographer. At one time she was society editor for the Monitor-Index.
Mr. Roland is survived by his Mother, Mrs. Lee Roland, 809 South Clark street; an aunt, Mrs. B. M. Stansbury, Moberly; and two cousins, Glenn Stansbury and Mrs. G. C. Dossey, both of Moberly. He had lived in Moberly about eight years. He was a switchman for the Wabash until recently but was employed as a mechanic for the Moberly Motor Company at the time of his death.
He was a member of Moberly Lodge A. F. & A. M., 344, Chapter No. 79, Royal Arch Masons, and was commander of Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Heflin is survived by his widow; his mother, Mrs. Bert Vanderhoef, St. James, Mo.; one brother, Clifford Heflin; four sisters, Mrs. Opal hern, Mrs. Orienne Barron, Mrs. Christine Freeman, Miss Elma Heflin; and Miss Cleo Vanderhoef a half-sister.
Learning to Fly
"I am no pilot, just learning to fly under teaching of Bryan heflin," Bell testified. "My plane was being used by Heflin on a profit sharing basis, I furnished the plane, he did the flying and we paid for the gasoline and advertising out of the gross receipts and were to divide what profits there were. Trips were charged for at the rate of $3 for one person or $5 for two if taken up at the same time. I have never made any attempt to carry passengers as I am not qualified. I have never operated the plane by myself, have never done any solo flying."
The plane was not licensed by the Department of Commerce and Heflin had not been granted a government license as a pilot, though application had been made in both cases, Bell said. He added that the Department of Commerce had advised him that the permits would be forthcoming in due course of time and he thought it all right to fly the plane pending arrival of the licenses.
Bought Second Hand
"I bought my plane August 24, 1929, from R. B. Troutman of Ethel, Mo. and before making the purchase I went to the dealer in Kansas City who sold the plane to Mr. Troutman and asked him about it. He told me he would consider the plane a good one if it had not been misused. He told me that Mr. Troutman had ordered some parts to repair minor damage caused the plane when a strong wind had blown it over while on the ground but that the repairs were such as could easily be made and would not affect the safety of the plane."
The plane had been used for his own instruction. Bell stated, that being in his opinion and the opinion of those with whom he had conferred the best and cheapest way to learn the flying game. It allowed him time to follow his work as a carpenter and learn to fly in idle hours. "We have mostly carried personal friends and without pay," Bell recounted. The only stunting done was under such condition or when people taking lessons from Bryan Heflin were in the plane and that was not often nor were the stunts of a very dangerous kind."
Bryan Heflin was recognized as a cool-headed, capable flyer by those who knew him, Bell said, adding that he could have had employment at several schools, including one at Marshall and one at St. Joseph
Motor Turned Off
"He always told me that the first thing to do in case of trouble was to shut off the motor and that must have been what he did yesterday, for it was shut off when inspected after the crash. Had he not done that I guess the plane would have burned up after it hit the ground."
Asked as to whether the engine is usually shut off in event of tail spins, Bell said that was his understanding and instruction from Heflin.
Heflin carried a "license permit" Bell testified. He said Heflin had more than 1,000 hours flying experience, and that only 200 hours was required for a license, but that the pilot had neglected to take a required medical examination.
Neglected Medical Tests
"He told me," he added, "that his license was here and he had 90 days to take the medical examination and he just neglected it and didn't take it, but in the meantime a new rule was adopted requiring a course in meteorology, and Mr. Heflin was taking the course in the Marshall school preparing to take that examination to complete his license."
Asked if the license permit allowed Heflin to fly in the meantime and to carry passengers, Mr. Bell said, "My understanding is it did."
Under federal laws governing aviation a plane has to be licensed before a licensed pilot is allowed to fly it with passengers, Bell said, but he was of the opinion that the license granted the man from whom he had bought the plane still held good, although it had not as yet been transferred to him by the Department of Commerce aviation section.
A "nose dive" was described as a "straight plane dive without spinning." In a tail spin the motor is always shut-off," the witness said.
"There is a rumor current that these passengers had paid for a stunt ride," Bell was told. He replied, "They had nothing but the regular tickets. Stunt rides are sold for much more." Mrs. Heflin sold the tickets to Roland and Miss Hardin, Bell said.
Stunt Rides Refused
"We sometimes have passengers to come up and want what you call a stunt ride." the owner of the plane said. "We had two yesterday just a few minutes before the crash, and I told them we couldn't sell a stunt ride.
"I know Bryan took some of his friends and sometimes did a good, steep, vertical bank, and I don't think that is considered stunting. Nose dives, tail spins and loops are considered stunting. I have never seen Mr. Heflin stunt outside of a vertical bank or wing-over with some personal friends of his.
"We have talked all the time, 'No stunts to be done with passengers.'"
Describing the plane's fall, Bell said: "I noticed the plane make the first spin. It spun from a height, I would judge, of about 2,000 feet, and I don't believe it was done on purpose, because from what I know of Mr. Heflin and from what he had said, I don't believe he would do it and I have never seen him with anybody. He spun farther than I have ever seen anybody spin a plane."
Describes a "Spin"
Asked to describe a "spin," Mr. Bell said:
"The plane goes down nose first, and revolves round and round, straight down, but spinning around real slow, like a corkscrew.
"He gained control and came out of that first spin as nicely as any pilot could, and he was coming over the field and went into a bank to make the turn to land. Then he went into a second spin out of this bank at an altitude not high enough to get out of it. I understand that there never was a plane made that wouldn't spin."
Brother Testifies
Clifford Heflin of Sinnock avenue, a brother of the dead pilot, said he had assisted with the sale of tickets at the flying field and that he had sold four. Describing the plane's fall, he said:
"Just prior to the crash I saw him coming in what I call a nose dive. He was about 2,000 feet high; I can't tell exactly, but it was a good distance. It looked to me like he had a good altitude when he came out of this spin, about 1,000 feet or more.
"He came down six or seven revolutions, looked to me like, before he righted himself. He came out of the spin an came over the grounds, flying as good as he always did, and when he turned around to make the landing it looked like it slipped on him and turned into a nose dive---didn't look like it was his intention. It went into a slip on him and he lost control of it, it seemed to me.
Other Witnesses
Other witnessed told of seeing the plane fall and of finding the crumpled and badly mashed and broken bodies. Among those were Cabe McAllister, who lives on Sinnock avenue about 200 yards from where the plane crashed; C. R. Rayburn 808 Promenade; Emmett Hopson, 813 Jefferon Ave., and Frank DeWitt, undertaker.
Driven Into Ground
The engine and a part of the forefront of the plane was driven into the ground and the plane was badly shattered. Shortly after the accident it was a complete mass of wreckage due to efforts to remove the bodies in the plane and the activities of souvenir hunters. Today the plane was further demolished when hundreds of persons went to view the scene of the accident.
Other Pilot Licensed
Keeble, the other pilot yesterday, is a student in Washington University at St. Louis and does flying to help pay his expenses. He is said to be a licensed pilot and was flying a licensed plane. He had previous experience in a naval school, according to John Freeman, Jr., who knows Keeble and who had ridden with him yesterday for about an hour.
Two Moberly young men counted themselves lucky following the accident. Henry Doerrie, 116 West Wightman street, and Earl Johnson, 501 South Morley street, say they were to have gone up on the trip, but before they could get to the plane cabin Mr. Roland and Miss Hardin got into the plane. The two boys are planning to take up flying, they said. Roland and Miss Hardin also are reported to have been arranging to learn how to fly a plane.
Following the crash, the bodies of Roland and Miss Hardin were found in the cockpit of the plane. Both died almost instantly and before they could be given any kind of first aid. The lower parts of their bodies were caught between the broken flooring of the cockpit and the engine. Heflin was found in the compartment from which he navigated the plane, but was not pinioned. The wide canvass straps placed about the bodies of each to safeguard their falling out were snapped in two, evidencing the force with which the plane hit the ground.
Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman, sister of Bryan Heflin, who was to have made her first parachute jump from an airplane and who was going into the air almost immediately following the flight which ended in tragedy, had been supplied with a parachute from Macon and had it all ready for adjustment when she saw the plane her brother was driving fall. Mrs. Heflin, wife of the dead flyer, had intended to make the jump but is understood to have yielded to the wishes of Mrs. Freeman that she be allowed the experience.
Mrs. Heflin made a parachute jump from a height of 2200 feet in 1926, her first experience of the kind, according to statements made by Mr. Heflin when he was arranging his flight program. The Heflins lived on a farm south of Huntsville and west of Moberly before coming to Moberly to reside at 444 East Rollins street.
Graduate of High School
Paul Roland, son of Mrs. Bell Roland, 809 South Clark street, was a graduate of the High School class of 1918 and was prominent in his school's activities, starring on the school football team.
He was employed by the Moberly Motor Co. and formerly was a switchman for the Wabash. His father, Lee Roland, died several years ago. He and Miss Hardin had been closest of friends for several years and where one was the other usually was to be seen.
Miss Hardin, a daughter of the late John R. Hardin, resided with her mother, Mrs. Mollie H. Hardin, at 922 South Fourth street. She came to Moberly several years ago when the family moved to Moberly from Renick. She was employed by Goddard & White, an had an especially wide circle of friends.
-article from contributor Tom Waters
-Obit thanks to contributor KKaye
Funeral services of William Jennings Bryan Heflin were held Tuesday afternoon October 8, 1929 at the Christian Church at Huntsville, conducted by Rev. Herndon of Centralia, in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends. Feb. Boulton, the pastor, assisted in the services.
Rev. Alexander, Frank Lyon, Victor Ellis and Oliver Summers assisted by Silvia Rucker furnished the music. Rev. Herndon who had known the deceased a long while spoke many good things of the life of Bryan and also paid a beautiful tribute to W. J. Bryan for whom he was named. Bryan was 32 years old.
Bryan Heflin and Miss Callie Fullington were married Oct 1, 1919. They had no children.
Bryan is survived by his wife, his mother, Mrs. Mamie Vanderhoeff of St. James, Mo., five sisters, Mrs. Opal Hern of Moberly, Mrs. Christine Freeman of Kansas City, Mrs. Jesse Barron of Huntsville, and Mrs. Cleo Vanderhoeff of Wichita, and Miss elma Faye Feflin of Wichita: and one borther, Clifford Heflin of Moberly.
Four aunts survive him, namely: Mrs. Will Burton of near Huntsville, Mrs. Artie Terrill, Mrs. Susie Lewis, and Mrs. Christine Bohm, of Kansas City.
October 10, 1929 Randolph County Times
From Moberly Monitor-Index, Monday, 10-7-1929, pg. 1, pg 8, Ancestry.com
THREE DIE IN PLANE CRASH HERE
MANY WATCH GIRL, YOUTH AND AVIATOR HEFLIN FALL
Miss Deldee Hardin and Paul S. Roland Killed Instantly; Piolt Dies Later
NO BLAME FIXED BY JURY THIS MORNING
Second Inquest to Be Held Tonight---Fred Bell, Plane's Owner, Denies Stunting.
Falling into what witnesses describe as two tail spins, a Waco biplane, 1928 model, crashed to the ground Sunday afternoon at the proposed airport near the intersection of Highways 63 and 24. Two passengers, Paul Roland and Miss Deldee Hardin, both of Moberly, were killed almost instantly and the pilot of the ship Bryan Heflin, also of Moberly, died at McCormick's Hospital a few hours later.
At a coroner's inquest held at the courthouse this morning into the deaths of Roland and Miss Hardin, the jury fixed no blame for the crash, merely returning a verdict of death as a result of a airplane crash in a plane piloted by Heflin.
Seond Inquest Tonight
The jury which heard the testimony, taken before Corner C. H. Dixon, was composed of Fred Reiss, Lyle Evans, Ray Turner, Ed Forbis, M. Finnell and H. J. Turner.
A more detailed investigation is expected tonight when the coroner will hold an inquest into Heflin's death.
Relatives of Miss Hardin and of Heflin witnessed the tragedy, Mrs. Heflin reaching the fallen plane just as the body of her husband was picked up and placed in an automobile which rushed hom to the hospital. A sister of Heflin, Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman of Kansas City, at the time of the plane crash was preparing to make a parachute jump and was arranging the apparatus to be used in performing the stunt. Mr. and Mrs. Aubrey Marshall, relatives of Miss Hardin, were among the spectators.
Hundreds at Field
Th accident,, which stunned hundreds of persons gathered at the field to see a flying exhibition, came at 4:45 p.m. following about two hours of flying by Heflin and W. Burton Keeble a St. Louis pilot. During this time the two men had carried aloft a number of people, each plane having made about twelve trips. Keeble had left the field and was downtown when Heflin took off for what was destined to be his last flight. He had as passengers Roland and Miss Hardin.
The plan pursued the same course as those previously taken, and was sailing smoothly at a point about a mile south and east of its take-off place when Heflin made what was described as a "vertical bank" with the apparent intention, according to some witnesses, of preparing for a landing. He came out of this bank in good shape and seemed to be sailing with no indication of what was soon to follow.
When about 1500 feet in the air, the plane went into what is called a "tail spin" and, revolving rapidly and apparently out of control, fell to a point variously estimated from 200 to 400 feet above the ground.
Out of One Into Another
Heflin, with apparent great difficulty, took the plane out of this spin only to have it fall into another tail spin and crash in a corn field. Fred Bell, owner of the plane which fell, testified this morning at the coroner's inquest that Charles Fowler, Macon, described as an aviation expert, state that from the position of the fallen plane and his knowledge of aviation he believe that had there been 60 more feet of space the plane would have cleared the ground or at least landed on its running gear. Fowler said, according to Bell, that it appeared to him as if the ship was just about to emerge from the spin when it met the ground. Bell stated that in his opinion Fowler was right in his observation.
Bell testified that the plane was in good mechanical condition yesterday, that he had flown it to Macon Friday to scatter advertising matter and that both Heflin and himself had gone over the plane Saturday to see that it was in good condition for the Sunday flights. New spark plugs were installed, wiring's tightened up and the engine was found to be working well at that time, Mr. Bell said.
The total hours of flying charged against the plane, the owner said, were less than 100, which he declared is considered very light and not such as to work injury to the mechanism.
Denies "Stunting"
Stunting with the plane while carrying passengers for pay was never attempted by Heflin under an agreement between the two men. Bell said in giving testimony before the coroner's jury. "Bryan told me it was too dangerous to undertake and I agreed with him. I have never seen hi do it and don't believe he was attempting any stunts on the flight which ended in a crash. I think it was just one of those things that is apt to happen to any plane and any pilot," Bell gave as his opinion.
Funeral Services
Miss Hardin's body has been taken to the family residence, 922 South Fourth street. Dr. C. S. Brooks will conduct funeral services at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon from the Central Christian church and burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.
Mr. Roland's body will remain at the Mahan Funeral Parlors until after a funeral service which the Rev. Allen Duncan, pastor of the Coates Street Presbyterian Church, will conduct at 7:30 o'clock tonight from the Mahan Chapel. The funeral party will then go to Libertville, Ia., on No. 11 Wabash, tonight for burial tomorrow. Services here will be under the auspices of the Masonic bodies and the Knights Templar will furnish an escort.
Heflin, whose full name was William Jennings Bryan Heflin, was 32 years old.
The body was taken to the Patton Funeral Parlors at Huntsville last night and was returned to the home at 444 East Rollins street today. It will be returned to Huntsville tomorrow for the funeral at 2:30 o'clock from the Huntsville Christian Church. The Rev. Mr. Herndon of Centralia will conduct the service. Burial will be at Huntsville.
Surviving Relatives
Miss Hardin is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mollie Hardin, 922 S. Fourth street; three sisters, Mrs. Sam Megown, Renick, Miss Louise Hardin, Moberly, and Mrs. Roy Cravens, Huntsville; and four brothers, Edgar, Murray and Roy Hardin Moberly, and J. R. Hardin, Marceline.
She had been employed by Goddard-White, wholesale auto supply company, for several years as a bookkeeper and stenographer. At one time she was society editor for the Monitor-Index.
Mr. Roland is survived by his Mother, Mrs. Lee Roland, 809 South Clark street; an aunt, Mrs. B. M. Stansbury, Moberly; and two cousins, Glenn Stansbury and Mrs. G. C. Dossey, both of Moberly. He had lived in Moberly about eight years. He was a switchman for the Wabash until recently but was employed as a mechanic for the Moberly Motor Company at the time of his death.
He was a member of Moberly Lodge A. F. & A. M., 344, Chapter No. 79, Royal Arch Masons, and was commander of Tancred Commandery, Knights Templar.
Mr. Heflin is survived by his widow; his mother, Mrs. Bert Vanderhoef, St. James, Mo.; one brother, Clifford Heflin; four sisters, Mrs. Opal hern, Mrs. Orienne Barron, Mrs. Christine Freeman, Miss Elma Heflin; and Miss Cleo Vanderhoef a half-sister.
Learning to Fly
"I am no pilot, just learning to fly under teaching of Bryan heflin," Bell testified. "My plane was being used by Heflin on a profit sharing basis, I furnished the plane, he did the flying and we paid for the gasoline and advertising out of the gross receipts and were to divide what profits there were. Trips were charged for at the rate of $3 for one person or $5 for two if taken up at the same time. I have never made any attempt to carry passengers as I am not qualified. I have never operated the plane by myself, have never done any solo flying."
The plane was not licensed by the Department of Commerce and Heflin had not been granted a government license as a pilot, though application had been made in both cases, Bell said. He added that the Department of Commerce had advised him that the permits would be forthcoming in due course of time and he thought it all right to fly the plane pending arrival of the licenses.
Bought Second Hand
"I bought my plane August 24, 1929, from R. B. Troutman of Ethel, Mo. and before making the purchase I went to the dealer in Kansas City who sold the plane to Mr. Troutman and asked him about it. He told me he would consider the plane a good one if it had not been misused. He told me that Mr. Troutman had ordered some parts to repair minor damage caused the plane when a strong wind had blown it over while on the ground but that the repairs were such as could easily be made and would not affect the safety of the plane."
The plane had been used for his own instruction. Bell stated, that being in his opinion and the opinion of those with whom he had conferred the best and cheapest way to learn the flying game. It allowed him time to follow his work as a carpenter and learn to fly in idle hours. "We have mostly carried personal friends and without pay," Bell recounted. The only stunting done was under such condition or when people taking lessons from Bryan Heflin were in the plane and that was not often nor were the stunts of a very dangerous kind."
Bryan Heflin was recognized as a cool-headed, capable flyer by those who knew him, Bell said, adding that he could have had employment at several schools, including one at Marshall and one at St. Joseph
Motor Turned Off
"He always told me that the first thing to do in case of trouble was to shut off the motor and that must have been what he did yesterday, for it was shut off when inspected after the crash. Had he not done that I guess the plane would have burned up after it hit the ground."
Asked as to whether the engine is usually shut off in event of tail spins, Bell said that was his understanding and instruction from Heflin.
Heflin carried a "license permit" Bell testified. He said Heflin had more than 1,000 hours flying experience, and that only 200 hours was required for a license, but that the pilot had neglected to take a required medical examination.
Neglected Medical Tests
"He told me," he added, "that his license was here and he had 90 days to take the medical examination and he just neglected it and didn't take it, but in the meantime a new rule was adopted requiring a course in meteorology, and Mr. Heflin was taking the course in the Marshall school preparing to take that examination to complete his license."
Asked if the license permit allowed Heflin to fly in the meantime and to carry passengers, Mr. Bell said, "My understanding is it did."
Under federal laws governing aviation a plane has to be licensed before a licensed pilot is allowed to fly it with passengers, Bell said, but he was of the opinion that the license granted the man from whom he had bought the plane still held good, although it had not as yet been transferred to him by the Department of Commerce aviation section.
A "nose dive" was described as a "straight plane dive without spinning." In a tail spin the motor is always shut-off," the witness said.
"There is a rumor current that these passengers had paid for a stunt ride," Bell was told. He replied, "They had nothing but the regular tickets. Stunt rides are sold for much more." Mrs. Heflin sold the tickets to Roland and Miss Hardin, Bell said.
Stunt Rides Refused
"We sometimes have passengers to come up and want what you call a stunt ride." the owner of the plane said. "We had two yesterday just a few minutes before the crash, and I told them we couldn't sell a stunt ride.
"I know Bryan took some of his friends and sometimes did a good, steep, vertical bank, and I don't think that is considered stunting. Nose dives, tail spins and loops are considered stunting. I have never seen Mr. Heflin stunt outside of a vertical bank or wing-over with some personal friends of his.
"We have talked all the time, 'No stunts to be done with passengers.'"
Describing the plane's fall, Bell said: "I noticed the plane make the first spin. It spun from a height, I would judge, of about 2,000 feet, and I don't believe it was done on purpose, because from what I know of Mr. Heflin and from what he had said, I don't believe he would do it and I have never seen him with anybody. He spun farther than I have ever seen anybody spin a plane."
Describes a "Spin"
Asked to describe a "spin," Mr. Bell said:
"The plane goes down nose first, and revolves round and round, straight down, but spinning around real slow, like a corkscrew.
"He gained control and came out of that first spin as nicely as any pilot could, and he was coming over the field and went into a bank to make the turn to land. Then he went into a second spin out of this bank at an altitude not high enough to get out of it. I understand that there never was a plane made that wouldn't spin."
Brother Testifies
Clifford Heflin of Sinnock avenue, a brother of the dead pilot, said he had assisted with the sale of tickets at the flying field and that he had sold four. Describing the plane's fall, he said:
"Just prior to the crash I saw him coming in what I call a nose dive. He was about 2,000 feet high; I can't tell exactly, but it was a good distance. It looked to me like he had a good altitude when he came out of this spin, about 1,000 feet or more.
"He came down six or seven revolutions, looked to me like, before he righted himself. He came out of the spin an came over the grounds, flying as good as he always did, and when he turned around to make the landing it looked like it slipped on him and turned into a nose dive---didn't look like it was his intention. It went into a slip on him and he lost control of it, it seemed to me.
Other Witnesses
Other witnessed told of seeing the plane fall and of finding the crumpled and badly mashed and broken bodies. Among those were Cabe McAllister, who lives on Sinnock avenue about 200 yards from where the plane crashed; C. R. Rayburn 808 Promenade; Emmett Hopson, 813 Jefferon Ave., and Frank DeWitt, undertaker.
Driven Into Ground
The engine and a part of the forefront of the plane was driven into the ground and the plane was badly shattered. Shortly after the accident it was a complete mass of wreckage due to efforts to remove the bodies in the plane and the activities of souvenir hunters. Today the plane was further demolished when hundreds of persons went to view the scene of the accident.
Other Pilot Licensed
Keeble, the other pilot yesterday, is a student in Washington University at St. Louis and does flying to help pay his expenses. He is said to be a licensed pilot and was flying a licensed plane. He had previous experience in a naval school, according to John Freeman, Jr., who knows Keeble and who had ridden with him yesterday for about an hour.
Two Moberly young men counted themselves lucky following the accident. Henry Doerrie, 116 West Wightman street, and Earl Johnson, 501 South Morley street, say they were to have gone up on the trip, but before they could get to the plane cabin Mr. Roland and Miss Hardin got into the plane. The two boys are planning to take up flying, they said. Roland and Miss Hardin also are reported to have been arranging to learn how to fly a plane.
Following the crash, the bodies of Roland and Miss Hardin were found in the cockpit of the plane. Both died almost instantly and before they could be given any kind of first aid. The lower parts of their bodies were caught between the broken flooring of the cockpit and the engine. Heflin was found in the compartment from which he navigated the plane, but was not pinioned. The wide canvass straps placed about the bodies of each to safeguard their falling out were snapped in two, evidencing the force with which the plane hit the ground.
Mrs. Christine Heflin Freeman, sister of Bryan Heflin, who was to have made her first parachute jump from an airplane and who was going into the air almost immediately following the flight which ended in tragedy, had been supplied with a parachute from Macon and had it all ready for adjustment when she saw the plane her brother was driving fall. Mrs. Heflin, wife of the dead flyer, had intended to make the jump but is understood to have yielded to the wishes of Mrs. Freeman that she be allowed the experience.
Mrs. Heflin made a parachute jump from a height of 2200 feet in 1926, her first experience of the kind, according to statements made by Mr. Heflin when he was arranging his flight program. The Heflins lived on a farm south of Huntsville and west of Moberly before coming to Moberly to reside at 444 East Rollins street.
Graduate of High School
Paul Roland, son of Mrs. Bell Roland, 809 South Clark street, was a graduate of the High School class of 1918 and was prominent in his school's activities, starring on the school football team.
He was employed by the Moberly Motor Co. and formerly was a switchman for the Wabash. His father, Lee Roland, died several years ago. He and Miss Hardin had been closest of friends for several years and where one was the other usually was to be seen.
Miss Hardin, a daughter of the late John R. Hardin, resided with her mother, Mrs. Mollie H. Hardin, at 922 South Fourth street. She came to Moberly several years ago when the family moved to Moberly from Renick. She was employed by Goddard & White, an had an especially wide circle of friends.
-article from contributor Tom Waters
-Obit thanks to contributor KKaye
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