Crash of a Ford 4 in Dearborn: 2 killed

Date & Time: May 12, 1928 at 0845 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
NC1492
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Dearborn – Buffalo
MSN:
4-AT-001
YOM:
1926
Crew on board:
2
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
2
Circumstances:
This cargo flight from Dearborn to Buffalo was the inaugural one. Shortly after takeoff from Dearborn-Ford Airport, the aircraft encountered difficulties to gain height. It rolled to the left then hit the ground before coming to rest, bursting into flames. Both occupants William Munn and E. K. Parker were killed.
Probable cause:
According to Edward G. Hamilton, Chief of Operations of the Ford air line service, the accident occurred when Munn, who was at the controls, forced the plane off the ground without sufficient flying speed.

Crash of a Ford 2 Pullman in Chicago: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 18, 1926 at 1640 LT
Type of aircraft:
Registration:
1
Flight Phase:
Flight Type:
Survivors:
No
Schedule:
Chicago - Detroit
MSN:
1
YOM:
1925
Crew on board:
1
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
1
Circumstances:
The pilot was performing the first commercial cargo flight from Chicago to Detroit for the Ford Air Freight Lines Company. The Ford 2-AT Pullman was carrying mail and cargo on behalf of the Contract Air Mail. Shortly after takeoff from Chicago-Midway Airport, while climbing in poor weather conditions, the aircraft named 'Maiden Dearborn I' went out of control and crashed in Summit, some 2 miles west of the airport. The pilot was killed and the aircraft was destroyed.
Probable cause:
In 1928, U.S. Commerce Department declared the wings to be structurally unsafe. All remaining 2-AT's were scrapped.