Identification & Site Information

• Location: Lake Ontario, near Henderson Harbour, approximately 10 miles northeast of Watertown, New York.
• Incident: Aircraft crash involving a cabin airplane designed for passenger transport.
• Date: June 9, 1935.
• Victims: Archie V. Laverty (Pilot, 40), Francis E. O’Reilly (32), Gerald Conway, Francis O’Neill (Approx. 35).
• Vessel Type: Cabin airplane intended for passenger transport, not a water vessel.
• Characteristics: Designed for short-distance travel with emphasis on passenger comfort, typical of 1930s aviation.

Description

On June 9, 1935, a routine flight over Lake Ontario ended in tragedy when the aircraft suddenly spiraled from approximately 1,000 feet, crashing into Lake Ontario. The plane carried four prominent residents of Watertown, New York. Witnesses reported engine sputtering before the crash, suggesting mechanical issues. The crash impacted the Watertown community deeply, as aviation was still a developing field with numerous safety challenges. Witnesses like architect Harry W. Green described a haunting scene as the plane descended, marking it as one of the region’s notable aviation tragedies.

History

The 1930s were formative years for aviation, and private flights carried certain risks due to limited technological development. Laverty, a respected local pilot, often used planes for business and personal trips. The flight was characteristic of the time, with small planes designed for comfort but susceptible to mechanical issues. The community felt the loss deeply, given the prominence of Laverty and his passengers.

Final Disposition

Neither the aircraft nor the bodies were recovered, likely due to the depth of Lake Ontario and the limitations of recovery technology at the time. Searches following the incident were unsuccessful, and the exact cause of the crash remains unknown, though mechanical failure is suspected.

Located By & Date

The wreck has not been located. Initial searches immediately following the crash were unsuccessful.

NOTMARs & Advisories

As the wreck poses no known hazard to navigation, there are no specific Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) for this location.

Further Research on the Aircraft Type

The plane could have been similar to other popular 1930s models used for short regional flights. Possible models include:

• Stinson SM-6000: Known for reliable engines and commonly used in business transport.
• Lockheed Vega: A comfortable monoplane for regional trips.
• Waco Cabin Biplanes: Affordable and easy to maintain, often used by private pilots.
• Fairchild Model 24: Widely used for both private and commercial flights, likely an accessible choice for Laverty.

Resources & Links

• 3DShipwrecks – Interactive models of shipwrecks and historical sites in the Great Lakes.
• Great Lakes Maritime History Project – Comprehensive data and records.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes – Archives of shipwreck data and historical resources.
• Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Database – Detailed information on Great Lakes vessels.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File – An archive compiled by researcher David Swayze.
• Shipwreck Stories – Stories and data on shipwrecks in various regions, including the Great Lakes.
• University of Detroit Mercy Special Collections – Archives for Great Lakes history and shipwreck records.
• Library and Archives Canada – Comprehensive archive of historical records, including ship registrations.
• Wikipedia – Watertown NY

Conclusion

This 1935 Lake Ontario aircraft crash remains one of the lake’s unresolved mysteries. The unrecovered wreckage symbolizes both the technological limitations of early aviation and the profound impact on the Watertown community.

Keywords: Lake Ontario crash, Archie V. Laverty, 1935 aircraft accident, Watertown NY aviation, Henderson Harbor