Plane Crash Fatal to Two
Guy Fields and Ronald Bradrick Die from Injuries
AT LOW ALTITUDE
Ship Nosed Downward Suddenly; Cause Not Yet Determined
The crash of an airplane near Superior late last Friday afternoon brought death to its two passengers, Ronald Bradrick, 18, and Guy Fields, 28. Fields was pilotin (sic) gthe (sic) plane and had taken off just a few minutes before from the Dahlgren pasture northwest of town. Men who watched the start of the fatal flight said the ship did not gain altitude properly. When it reached a point slightly south of the farm home of Mrs. Agnes Niehaus, the plane came careening to earth and struck in a cane patch just a few feet from the paving on highway 14. The crash occurred at about 5:30 p.m.
Field and Bradrick were both taken to Brodstone hospital (sic) as quickly as they could be removed from the twisted wreck. Fields died within an hour, having suffered a skull fracture besides internal injuries. Young Bradrick also suffered a fracture of the skull. He lived for several hours. Neither man ever regained consciousness.
Wilbur Niehaus was first on the scene of the crash. He had just finished milking and came out of the barn when he heard the sound of airplane motor. The ship was very low, probably not over 300 feet, and it was headed southwest. Wilbur watched the pilot tilt the machine upward in an effort to gain altitude, then level off successfully. This climbing was repeated again, he said, but when the ship began to level off, its tail rose and the nose pointed downward sharply. It was still headed southwest but at this point one wing dipped and the ship swerved suddenly around, reversing its direction. Niehaus was convinced by this time that a crackup was imminent, so ran for his car, hoping to get to the scene in time to save the occupants in case of fire. The plane hit the ground while he was getting into the car and he did not see the manner in which it struck.
As far as The Express can learn, there was no eye witness of the actual crash. The wreckage was such a twisted mass that one can only guess what happened. A hole nearly two feet deep was made in the soft soil. Since the wreckage lay several feet from this hole, it is taken as certainty that the plane bounced after it first hit. Only the rear portion of the fuselage remained intact. The wings were demolished, the landing gear smashed to bits and the motor wrenched from its moorings.
Fields was in the rear cockpit. He had been flying during much of the afternoon. On the flight just previous to the fatal one, Elmer Vaughan had been a passenger. When he stepped out, young Bradrick got in, having stopped at the landing field while on his evening milk delivery. Bradrick was a twin and is survived by his twin brother, Richard, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bradrick, and a younger brother, Keith. Fields is survived by his widow, his parents, two sisters and a brother.
It is doubtful if it will ever be know what caused the crackup. Wilbur Niehaus believes the motor of the plane had stopped when it began to nose downward, which would lead to the conclusion that the motor stalled. Others put forth the theory that Bradrick may have become frightened and grabbed the stick in his cockpit without realizing it. This is known as "freezing the controls" because it prevents the pilot from controlling the machine.
Fields was a student pilot, not having taken the tests for a department of commerce license. He had learned flying from Louis Shatler, a young man in Deshler. He borrowed the plane in which he met death from Shatler, who had in turn borrowed it from its owner in Hastings. The plane was at one time licensed by the government, but after a previous accident it was repaired in a way that made it ineligible for relicensing, The Express learned from reliable source.
Dr. C.L. Phillips was second on the scene. He was on his way to make a rural call when the crash occurred. As he passed the George Williams home, Mrs. Williams called his attention to what had happened and he went directly to help extricate the injured men from the wreckage.
The tragedy brought a cloud of horror and grief over Superior. Both the boy and the young man who met death in such a violent manner were widely and favorably known. Each was of the happy, smiling, friendly sort who had acquaintances numbered as friends. Fields was employed in the Dahlgren machine shop on West Eighth street (sic). In spare moments he had been building his own plane. Bradrick was a junior in Superior high school, and a Boy Scout. Obituaries for the two are published in The Express today.
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
=======
RONALD ISAAC BRADRICK
The funeral service for Ronald Bradrick was held from the Methodist church Monday afternoon, in charge of Rev. W.W. Whitman. The entire senior high school and the Boy Scouts attended in a body. The obituary was read by Supt. J.G. Hansen as a personal tribute to the memory of Ronald, who was a junior in high school. The obituary follows:
"Ronald Isaac Bradrick was born at Formoso, Kan., on October 18, 1915. He lived to reach the age of 18 years, 3 months and 18 days. On Jan. 26, 1934 the Silent Messenger, signaling him to the life beyond, paid his visit and one of earths truest and noblest characters has taken up his abode in the Eternal City, over yonder.
"His parents ever-mindful of his early spiritual development began his religious training at an early age of 6 months when he was declared one of Gods chosen by baptismal rites. All through childhood and boyhood with the divine guidance of his beloved parents, molded into his memory an indelible image of the Great Creator.
"The early years in life were spent in a rural community near Formoso, Kan. He completed the first 8 years of his education in a rural school at that place. He spent one month in Formoso high school before moving to Superior and in that short duration of time learned to love his teacher Mr. Baird and always spoke of him with much reverence and respect.
"Soon after the family arrived in Superior his letter was transferred to the Methodist church where he attended regularly and faithfully. His mates learned to love him because of his expressions that indicated that he recognized the existence of a God and that God had power over his destinies and to God obedience, honor and service were due.
"Ronald was a leader in Boy Scouts and was always true to their principles and laws. The Scouts mourn his loss and his death caused much gloom and sorrow in his troop.
"He was cheerful and kind in all actions about school. No teacher or pupil would or could find fault with him in respect to his attitude or conduct. Through this beautiful relationship he became a junior in our local high school. This sudden tragedy has caused remorse and sorrow among his classmates and teachers.
"He leaves to mourn his passing his twin brother Richard Leo, a younger brother Keith Eugene and his beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo W. Bradrick."
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
Guy Fields and Ronald Bradrick Die from Injuries
AT LOW ALTITUDE
Ship Nosed Downward Suddenly; Cause Not Yet Determined
The crash of an airplane near Superior late last Friday afternoon brought death to its two passengers, Ronald Bradrick, 18, and Guy Fields, 28. Fields was pilotin (sic) gthe (sic) plane and had taken off just a few minutes before from the Dahlgren pasture northwest of town. Men who watched the start of the fatal flight said the ship did not gain altitude properly. When it reached a point slightly south of the farm home of Mrs. Agnes Niehaus, the plane came careening to earth and struck in a cane patch just a few feet from the paving on highway 14. The crash occurred at about 5:30 p.m.
Field and Bradrick were both taken to Brodstone hospital (sic) as quickly as they could be removed from the twisted wreck. Fields died within an hour, having suffered a skull fracture besides internal injuries. Young Bradrick also suffered a fracture of the skull. He lived for several hours. Neither man ever regained consciousness.
Wilbur Niehaus was first on the scene of the crash. He had just finished milking and came out of the barn when he heard the sound of airplane motor. The ship was very low, probably not over 300 feet, and it was headed southwest. Wilbur watched the pilot tilt the machine upward in an effort to gain altitude, then level off successfully. This climbing was repeated again, he said, but when the ship began to level off, its tail rose and the nose pointed downward sharply. It was still headed southwest but at this point one wing dipped and the ship swerved suddenly around, reversing its direction. Niehaus was convinced by this time that a crackup was imminent, so ran for his car, hoping to get to the scene in time to save the occupants in case of fire. The plane hit the ground while he was getting into the car and he did not see the manner in which it struck.
As far as The Express can learn, there was no eye witness of the actual crash. The wreckage was such a twisted mass that one can only guess what happened. A hole nearly two feet deep was made in the soft soil. Since the wreckage lay several feet from this hole, it is taken as certainty that the plane bounced after it first hit. Only the rear portion of the fuselage remained intact. The wings were demolished, the landing gear smashed to bits and the motor wrenched from its moorings.
Fields was in the rear cockpit. He had been flying during much of the afternoon. On the flight just previous to the fatal one, Elmer Vaughan had been a passenger. When he stepped out, young Bradrick got in, having stopped at the landing field while on his evening milk delivery. Bradrick was a twin and is survived by his twin brother, Richard, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bradrick, and a younger brother, Keith. Fields is survived by his widow, his parents, two sisters and a brother.
It is doubtful if it will ever be know what caused the crackup. Wilbur Niehaus believes the motor of the plane had stopped when it began to nose downward, which would lead to the conclusion that the motor stalled. Others put forth the theory that Bradrick may have become frightened and grabbed the stick in his cockpit without realizing it. This is known as "freezing the controls" because it prevents the pilot from controlling the machine.
Fields was a student pilot, not having taken the tests for a department of commerce license. He had learned flying from Louis Shatler, a young man in Deshler. He borrowed the plane in which he met death from Shatler, who had in turn borrowed it from its owner in Hastings. The plane was at one time licensed by the government, but after a previous accident it was repaired in a way that made it ineligible for relicensing, The Express learned from reliable source.
Dr. C.L. Phillips was second on the scene. He was on his way to make a rural call when the crash occurred. As he passed the George Williams home, Mrs. Williams called his attention to what had happened and he went directly to help extricate the injured men from the wreckage.
The tragedy brought a cloud of horror and grief over Superior. Both the boy and the young man who met death in such a violent manner were widely and favorably known. Each was of the happy, smiling, friendly sort who had acquaintances numbered as friends. Fields was employed in the Dahlgren machine shop on West Eighth street (sic). In spare moments he had been building his own plane. Bradrick was a junior in Superior high school, and a Boy Scout. Obituaries for the two are published in The Express today.
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
=======
RONALD ISAAC BRADRICK
The funeral service for Ronald Bradrick was held from the Methodist church Monday afternoon, in charge of Rev. W.W. Whitman. The entire senior high school and the Boy Scouts attended in a body. The obituary was read by Supt. J.G. Hansen as a personal tribute to the memory of Ronald, who was a junior in high school. The obituary follows:
"Ronald Isaac Bradrick was born at Formoso, Kan., on October 18, 1915. He lived to reach the age of 18 years, 3 months and 18 days. On Jan. 26, 1934 the Silent Messenger, signaling him to the life beyond, paid his visit and one of earths truest and noblest characters has taken up his abode in the Eternal City, over yonder.
"His parents ever-mindful of his early spiritual development began his religious training at an early age of 6 months when he was declared one of Gods chosen by baptismal rites. All through childhood and boyhood with the divine guidance of his beloved parents, molded into his memory an indelible image of the Great Creator.
"The early years in life were spent in a rural community near Formoso, Kan. He completed the first 8 years of his education in a rural school at that place. He spent one month in Formoso high school before moving to Superior and in that short duration of time learned to love his teacher Mr. Baird and always spoke of him with much reverence and respect.
"Soon after the family arrived in Superior his letter was transferred to the Methodist church where he attended regularly and faithfully. His mates learned to love him because of his expressions that indicated that he recognized the existence of a God and that God had power over his destinies and to God obedience, honor and service were due.
"Ronald was a leader in Boy Scouts and was always true to their principles and laws. The Scouts mourn his loss and his death caused much gloom and sorrow in his troop.
"He was cheerful and kind in all actions about school. No teacher or pupil would or could find fault with him in respect to his attitude or conduct. Through this beautiful relationship he became a junior in our local high school. This sudden tragedy has caused remorse and sorrow among his classmates and teachers.
"He leaves to mourn his passing his twin brother Richard Leo, a younger brother Keith Eugene and his beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo W. Bradrick."
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
Plane Crash Fatal to Two
Guy Fields and Ronald Bradrick Die from Injuries
AT LOW ALTITUDE
Ship Nosed Downward Suddenly; Cause Not Yet Determined
The crash of an airplane near Superior late last Friday afternoon brought death to its two passengers, Ronald Bradrick, 18, and Guy Fields, 28. Fields was pilotin (sic) gthe (sic) plane and had taken off just a few minutes before from the Dahlgren pasture northwest of town. Men who watched the start of the fatal flight said the ship did not gain altitude properly. When it reached a point slightly south of the farm home of Mrs. Agnes Niehaus, the plane came careening to earth and struck in a cane patch just a few feet from the paving on highway 14. The crash occurred at about 5:30 p.m.
Field and Bradrick were both taken to Brodstone hospital (sic) as quickly as they could be removed from the twisted wreck. Fields died within an hour, having suffered a skull fracture besides internal injuries. Young Bradrick also suffered a fracture of the skull. He lived for several hours. Neither man ever regained consciousness.
Wilbur Niehaus was first on the scene of the crash. He had just finished milking and came out of the barn when he heard the sound of airplane motor. The ship was very low, probably not over 300 feet, and it was headed southwest. Wilbur watched the pilot tilt the machine upward in an effort to gain altitude, then level off successfully. This climbing was repeated again, he said, but when the ship began to level off, its tail rose and the nose pointed downward sharply. It was still headed southwest but at this point one wing dipped and the ship swerved suddenly around, reversing its direction. Niehaus was convinced by this time that a crackup was imminent, so ran for his car, hoping to get to the scene in time to save the occupants in case of fire. The plane hit the ground while he was getting into the car and he did not see the manner in which it struck.
As far as The Express can learn, there was no eye witness of the actual crash. The wreckage was such a twisted mass that one can only guess what happened. A hole nearly two feet deep was made in the soft soil. Since the wreckage lay several feet from this hole, it is taken as certainty that the plane bounced after it first hit. Only the rear portion of the fuselage remained intact. The wings were demolished, the landing gear smashed to bits and the motor wrenched from its moorings.
Fields was in the rear cockpit. He had been flying during much of the afternoon. On the flight just previous to the fatal one, Elmer Vaughan had been a passenger. When he stepped out, young Bradrick got in, having stopped at the landing field while on his evening milk delivery. Bradrick was a twin and is survived by his twin brother, Richard, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bradrick, and a younger brother, Keith. Fields is survived by his widow, his parents, two sisters and a brother.
It is doubtful if it will ever be know what caused the crackup. Wilbur Niehaus believes the motor of the plane had stopped when it began to nose downward, which would lead to the conclusion that the motor stalled. Others put forth the theory that Bradrick may have become frightened and grabbed the stick in his cockpit without realizing it. This is known as "freezing the controls" because it prevents the pilot from controlling the machine.
Fields was a student pilot, not having taken the tests for a department of commerce license. He had learned flying from Louis Shatler, a young man in Deshler. He borrowed the plane in which he met death from Shatler, who had in turn borrowed it from its owner in Hastings. The plane was at one time licensed by the government, but after a previous accident it was repaired in a way that made it ineligible for relicensing, The Express learned from reliable source.
Dr. C.L. Phillips was second on the scene. He was on his way to make a rural call when the crash occurred. As he passed the George Williams home, Mrs. Williams called his attention to what had happened and he went directly to help extricate the injured men from the wreckage.
The tragedy brought a cloud of horror and grief over Superior. Both the boy and the young man who met death in such a violent manner were widely and favorably known. Each was of the happy, smiling, friendly sort who had acquaintances numbered as friends. Fields was employed in the Dahlgren machine shop on West Eighth street (sic). In spare moments he had been building his own plane. Bradrick was a junior in Superior high school, and a Boy Scout. Obituaries for the two are published in The Express today.
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
=======
RONALD ISAAC BRADRICK
The funeral service for Ronald Bradrick was held from the Methodist church Monday afternoon, in charge of Rev. W.W. Whitman. The entire senior high school and the Boy Scouts attended in a body. The obituary was read by Supt. J.G. Hansen as a personal tribute to the memory of Ronald, who was a junior in high school. The obituary follows:
"Ronald Isaac Bradrick was born at Formoso, Kan., on October 18, 1915. He lived to reach the age of 18 years, 3 months and 18 days. On Jan. 26, 1934 the Silent Messenger, signaling him to the life beyond, paid his visit and one of earths truest and noblest characters has taken up his abode in the Eternal City, over yonder.
"His parents ever-mindful of his early spiritual development began his religious training at an early age of 6 months when he was declared one of Gods chosen by baptismal rites. All through childhood and boyhood with the divine guidance of his beloved parents, molded into his memory an indelible image of the Great Creator.
"The early years in life were spent in a rural community near Formoso, Kan. He completed the first 8 years of his education in a rural school at that place. He spent one month in Formoso high school before moving to Superior and in that short duration of time learned to love his teacher Mr. Baird and always spoke of him with much reverence and respect.
"Soon after the family arrived in Superior his letter was transferred to the Methodist church where he attended regularly and faithfully. His mates learned to love him because of his expressions that indicated that he recognized the existence of a God and that God had power over his destinies and to God obedience, honor and service were due.
"Ronald was a leader in Boy Scouts and was always true to their principles and laws. The Scouts mourn his loss and his death caused much gloom and sorrow in his troop.
"He was cheerful and kind in all actions about school. No teacher or pupil would or could find fault with him in respect to his attitude or conduct. Through this beautiful relationship he became a junior in our local high school. This sudden tragedy has caused remorse and sorrow among his classmates and teachers.
"He leaves to mourn his passing his twin brother Richard Leo, a younger brother Keith Eugene and his beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo W. Bradrick."
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
Guy Fields and Ronald Bradrick Die from Injuries
AT LOW ALTITUDE
Ship Nosed Downward Suddenly; Cause Not Yet Determined
The crash of an airplane near Superior late last Friday afternoon brought death to its two passengers, Ronald Bradrick, 18, and Guy Fields, 28. Fields was pilotin (sic) gthe (sic) plane and had taken off just a few minutes before from the Dahlgren pasture northwest of town. Men who watched the start of the fatal flight said the ship did not gain altitude properly. When it reached a point slightly south of the farm home of Mrs. Agnes Niehaus, the plane came careening to earth and struck in a cane patch just a few feet from the paving on highway 14. The crash occurred at about 5:30 p.m.
Field and Bradrick were both taken to Brodstone hospital (sic) as quickly as they could be removed from the twisted wreck. Fields died within an hour, having suffered a skull fracture besides internal injuries. Young Bradrick also suffered a fracture of the skull. He lived for several hours. Neither man ever regained consciousness.
Wilbur Niehaus was first on the scene of the crash. He had just finished milking and came out of the barn when he heard the sound of airplane motor. The ship was very low, probably not over 300 feet, and it was headed southwest. Wilbur watched the pilot tilt the machine upward in an effort to gain altitude, then level off successfully. This climbing was repeated again, he said, but when the ship began to level off, its tail rose and the nose pointed downward sharply. It was still headed southwest but at this point one wing dipped and the ship swerved suddenly around, reversing its direction. Niehaus was convinced by this time that a crackup was imminent, so ran for his car, hoping to get to the scene in time to save the occupants in case of fire. The plane hit the ground while he was getting into the car and he did not see the manner in which it struck.
As far as The Express can learn, there was no eye witness of the actual crash. The wreckage was such a twisted mass that one can only guess what happened. A hole nearly two feet deep was made in the soft soil. Since the wreckage lay several feet from this hole, it is taken as certainty that the plane bounced after it first hit. Only the rear portion of the fuselage remained intact. The wings were demolished, the landing gear smashed to bits and the motor wrenched from its moorings.
Fields was in the rear cockpit. He had been flying during much of the afternoon. On the flight just previous to the fatal one, Elmer Vaughan had been a passenger. When he stepped out, young Bradrick got in, having stopped at the landing field while on his evening milk delivery. Bradrick was a twin and is survived by his twin brother, Richard, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Bradrick, and a younger brother, Keith. Fields is survived by his widow, his parents, two sisters and a brother.
It is doubtful if it will ever be know what caused the crackup. Wilbur Niehaus believes the motor of the plane had stopped when it began to nose downward, which would lead to the conclusion that the motor stalled. Others put forth the theory that Bradrick may have become frightened and grabbed the stick in his cockpit without realizing it. This is known as "freezing the controls" because it prevents the pilot from controlling the machine.
Fields was a student pilot, not having taken the tests for a department of commerce license. He had learned flying from Louis Shatler, a young man in Deshler. He borrowed the plane in which he met death from Shatler, who had in turn borrowed it from its owner in Hastings. The plane was at one time licensed by the government, but after a previous accident it was repaired in a way that made it ineligible for relicensing, The Express learned from reliable source.
Dr. C.L. Phillips was second on the scene. He was on his way to make a rural call when the crash occurred. As he passed the George Williams home, Mrs. Williams called his attention to what had happened and he went directly to help extricate the injured men from the wreckage.
The tragedy brought a cloud of horror and grief over Superior. Both the boy and the young man who met death in such a violent manner were widely and favorably known. Each was of the happy, smiling, friendly sort who had acquaintances numbered as friends. Fields was employed in the Dahlgren machine shop on West Eighth street (sic). In spare moments he had been building his own plane. Bradrick was a junior in Superior high school, and a Boy Scout. Obituaries for the two are published in The Express today.
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
=======
RONALD ISAAC BRADRICK
The funeral service for Ronald Bradrick was held from the Methodist church Monday afternoon, in charge of Rev. W.W. Whitman. The entire senior high school and the Boy Scouts attended in a body. The obituary was read by Supt. J.G. Hansen as a personal tribute to the memory of Ronald, who was a junior in high school. The obituary follows:
"Ronald Isaac Bradrick was born at Formoso, Kan., on October 18, 1915. He lived to reach the age of 18 years, 3 months and 18 days. On Jan. 26, 1934 the Silent Messenger, signaling him to the life beyond, paid his visit and one of earths truest and noblest characters has taken up his abode in the Eternal City, over yonder.
"His parents ever-mindful of his early spiritual development began his religious training at an early age of 6 months when he was declared one of Gods chosen by baptismal rites. All through childhood and boyhood with the divine guidance of his beloved parents, molded into his memory an indelible image of the Great Creator.
"The early years in life were spent in a rural community near Formoso, Kan. He completed the first 8 years of his education in a rural school at that place. He spent one month in Formoso high school before moving to Superior and in that short duration of time learned to love his teacher Mr. Baird and always spoke of him with much reverence and respect.
"Soon after the family arrived in Superior his letter was transferred to the Methodist church where he attended regularly and faithfully. His mates learned to love him because of his expressions that indicated that he recognized the existence of a God and that God had power over his destinies and to God obedience, honor and service were due.
"Ronald was a leader in Boy Scouts and was always true to their principles and laws. The Scouts mourn his loss and his death caused much gloom and sorrow in his troop.
"He was cheerful and kind in all actions about school. No teacher or pupil would or could find fault with him in respect to his attitude or conduct. Through this beautiful relationship he became a junior in our local high school. This sudden tragedy has caused remorse and sorrow among his classmates and teachers.
"He leaves to mourn his passing his twin brother Richard Leo, a younger brother Keith Eugene and his beloved parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo W. Bradrick."
The Superior Express (Superior, NE), Thursday, January 26, 1934
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