This is an original and unpublished personal photograph from the 1920s, capturing a compelling scene of a US Army Air Corps biplane crash with the pilot standing beside the aircraft, holding his parachute. Measuring 9cm x 12cm, this print tells a story of survival and resilience in early military aviation. The image shows the damaged biplane, likely a pursuit or training aircraft such as a Curtiss P-1 Hawk or Boeing PW-9, with the pilot—unharmed and equipped with his parachute—posed next to the wreckage. The parachute, a relatively new safety innovation in the 1920s, underscores the era's evolving approach to pilot survival.
 
The 1920s marked a transformative period for aviation safety, with the Army Air Corps gradually adopting parachutes following World War I. This photograph likely documents a successful emergency landing or bailout, symbolizing the critical intersection of technology and human courage. The pilot's composed demeanor and the presence of the parachute highlight the progress in aerial safety, while the crashed aircraft serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in early flight.
 
As an unpublished personal photograph, this piece retains complete authenticity, free from commercial reproduction or alteration.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 evocative. This artifact is a significant find for collectors of military aviation history, safety technology, or vintage photography, offering a nuanced narrative about risk, innovation, and survival.
 
Key Details:
 
Subject: US Army Air Corps biplane crash with pilot and parachute (1920s)
 
Provenance: Unpublished personal photograph
 
Size: 9cm x 12cm
 
Historical Context: Reflects the adoption of parachutes and aviation safety in the 1920s
 
Condition: Period-appropriate aging with minor wear; image remains clear
 
Significance: Highlights pilot survival and technological progress in early aviation
 
This photograph serves as both a historical record and a tribute to the bravery and adaptability of early military aviators, making it a valuable addition to collections focused on aviation history, safety innovation, or the human stories behind technological advancement.