Student Pilot in Crash at Minford
Gene Henson Escapes with Neck, Back Injuries

Taken from The Daily Times, Thursday, May 20, 1948, Page 1

A student pilot escaped with minor injuries Wednesday when a Raven Rock plane struck a wire and two trees side by side and was demolished near Minford.

Gene Henson, 21, of Portsmouth Rt. 3, pilot of the Taylorcraft plane, was brought to Portsmouth General Hospital by a resident in the neighborhood and was admitted with lacerations of the forehead and neck and back injuries.

Cpl. Lawrence L. Russell of the state patrol investigated the mishap which occurred about 1 p.m. about a mile north of Minford.

Cpl. Russell said the pilot started to take off from a field on the farm of Allen Kallner when his plane struck a telephone wire, causing him to lose control.

The plane then collided with two trees, each wing hitting a tree. The wings were crumpled and the tail of the plane torn off, the state patrolman said.

Cpl. Russell said Mr. Henson parked the plane on the field in making a visit. The telephone wire was one maintained by farmers in that area.

The pilot had been flying (unreadable)... told the corporal, before the mishap occurred.