This is an original and unpublished personal photograph from the 1920s, capturing a dramatic crash scene of a US Army Air Corps biplane overturned with its top wing resting on the ground. Measuring 8.5cm x 11cm, this print offers a stark and compelling glimpse into the dangers of early military aviation. The image shows the aircraft in a vulnerable position, likely after a landing accident or mid-air incident, with its undercarriage exposed and possibly visible damage to the wings, fuselage, or propeller.
 
The 1920s were a period of rapid advancement in military aviation, but also one of significant risk due to the relatively fragile construction of biplanes and the evolving nature of flight protocols. Crash photographs like this were often taken for accident investigation, training purposes, or personal documentation by aircrew or ground personnel. The inverted position suggests a stall-spin accident or ground loop, common in early aviation where recovery was often impossible.
 
As an unpublished personal photograph, this piece retains complete authenticity, free from commercial reproduction or alteration. The condition shows expected age-related characteristics including slight tonal shifts and minor edge wear, but the image remains clear and impactful. This artifact represents a significant find for collectors of military aviation history, particularly those interested in aviation safety, early Air Corps operations, or the human aspects of flight during the interwar period.
 
Key Details:
 
Subject: US Army Air Corps biplane crash, overturned position (1920s)
 
Provenance: Unpublished personal photograph
 
Size: 8.5cm x 11cm
 
Historical Context: Documents the risks and challenges of early military aviation
 
Condition: Period-appropriate aging with minor wear; image remains clear
 
Significance: Offers a sobering look at aviation safety in the early Air Corps
 
This photograph serves as both an important historical record and a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of early military aviators, making it a valuable addition to collections focused on aviation history, military heritage, or the technological challenges of early flight.