Identification & Site Information

• Name: Unknown (Civilian Cabin Aircraft Crash – Henderson Harbor)
• Former Names: None (Aircraft, not vessel)
• Registration Number(s): Not documented in the available reports
• Date Built and Launched: Unknown, but the aircraft type is estimated to be from the late 1920s to early 1930s based on operating era
• Measurements: Typical cabin aircraft of the era would be approximately 8-12 metres (25-40 feet) in length with a wingspan of 12-15 metres (40-50 feet)
• Date Lost, Destroyed, Abandoned: June 9, 1935
• 👉 Google Maps Link: 43.8990°N, 76.1675°W (Henderson Harbor, Lake Ontario)

Vessel Type

The subject of this incident is a civilian cabin aircraft, not a water vessel. This type of aircraft was intended for short regional flights, commonly serving business purposes and passenger transport in the early years of commercial aviation. Such planes were often used for private charters or corporate flights, especially in smaller communities with limited access to larger airports.

Description

The incident occurred on June 9, 1935, over the waters of Lake Ontario, near Henderson Harbor, approximately 16 kilometres (10 miles) northeast of Watertown, New York. The aircraft, with four men aboard, suddenly plunged 300 metres (1,000 feet) into the lake’s waters. Witnesses reported hearing engine trouble shortly before the crash, indicating the plane may have suffered a mechanical failure.

The flight was local, originating at Dexter Airport near Watertown, with only a short period of time between takeoff and the crash—approximately 10 minutes. Despite being relatively close to shore, the aircraft sank into about 8 metres (25 feet) of water, where it was briefly observed by searchers before becoming irretrievable in the lake’s murky conditions.

History

This aviation disaster struck a community still growing accustomed to the risks of air travel. By 1935, civilian aviation had progressed significantly, but private aircraft owners, particularly those operating in rural areas, still faced considerable safety concerns. Aircraft reliability was improving, but engines were prone to sudden failures, especially in smaller, multi-use aircraft.

The flight’s pilot, Archie Laverty, was well known in Watertown as both a businessman and a skilled flyer. His passengers—Francis O’Reilly, Gerald Conway, and Ben Baxter—were all well-respected local figures, representing a mix of engineering, amateur aviation, and business interests. Such flights were common for local business trips or personal excursions over the lake.

The reported sounds of a sputtering engine, followed by the abrupt descent into the lake, paint a clear picture of mechanical failure—a critical risk for single-engine aircraft of the time. Adding to the tragedy was the challenge of search and recovery in the still relatively undeveloped realm of underwater recovery. Even though the lake was relatively shallow where the plane went down, poor Visibility and lack of modern diving or salvage equipment hampered efforts.

The tragedy became local lore, with stories told for decades about the doomed flight, the quick plunge, and the heart-wrenching loss felt across the community. Despite brief visual contact with the wreckage immediately after the crash, the site was soon lost beneath shifting sands and sediment.

Final Disposition

The aircraft and its occupants were never fully recovered. Coast Guard and civilian search efforts located parts of the wreck soon after the incident, but full retrieval was deemed impossible given the conditions. The plane either disintegrated in impact or became irretrievably buried in sediment.

This leaves the final resting place officially unknown, though estimated to lie within 43.8990°N, 76.1675°W near Henderson Harbor. 👉 Google Maps Link: 43.8990°N, 76.1675°W (Henderson Harbor, Lake Ontario)

Located By & Date Found

The plane was briefly located by local searchers and the U.S. Coast Guard on June 10, 1935, when portions of the fuselage were seen at a depth of 8 metres (25 feet). However, full recovery was never accomplished, and the wreck has been considered lost since that time.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are currently no active NOTMARs (Notices to Mariners) associated with this wreck site, as its location is considered lost and poses no known hazard to navigation.

Resources & Links

•  3D Shipwrecks https://3dshipwrecks.org Interactive models of shipwrecks and historical maritime sites in the Great Lakes.
• Great Lakes Maritime History Project https://greatlakeships.org  A comprehensive resource for Great Lakes shipwrecks, including historical data and photographs.
• Maritime History of the Great Lakes
• http://www.maritimehistoryofthegreatlakes.ca. Extensive archives with shipwreck data, historical records, and maritime resources.
• Bowling Green State University’s Great Lakes Vessels Database https://greatlakes.bgsu.edu/vessels Database of vessels that sailed the Great Lakes, including shipwrecks.
• David Swayze Shipwreck File https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org A searchable archive of shipwreck information compiled by researcher David Swayze.
• Shipwreck Stories https://www.shipwreckstories.com Stories and data about shipwrecks across various waterways, including the Great Lakes.
• Save Ontario Shipwrecks  https://saveontarioshipwrecks.ca Organization dedicated to the preservation of Ontario’s underwater heritage, offering dive guides and shipwreck data.
• University of Detroit Mercy Special Collections https://libraries.udmercy.edu/archives/special-collections/?collectionSet=all&collectionCode=gls Special collections archive related to Great Lakes shipwrecks and history.
• Ship Photos https://www.shiphotos.com An archive of historical ship photos, including Great Lakes vessels and wrecks.
• Library and Archives Canada https://library-archives.canada.ca Canada’s national archives, which include a vast collection of ship registrations, images, and historical maritime records
• Library of Congress Web Archive (Great Lakes Maritime Collection) https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0018877/ Archives of maritime history and shipwreck records from the Great Lakes region.
• York University Digital Library (Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections) https://digital.library.yorku.ca/clara-thomas-archives-special-collections/toronto-telegram-fonds Historical maritime records and shipwreck details, focusing on Ontario and surrounding waters.
• Personal Correspondence – SLD – Stephen L. Richey Kolibri Forensics

Conclusion

Though not a classic shipwreck, this tragic plane crash into Lake Ontario holds a unique place in the maritime history of the region. It highlights the thin line between waterborne and airborne travel in a region where the lakes often served as both highways and hazards. The incident remains a poignant reminder of the early days of civilian aviation, the risks inherent in pioneering technology, and the harsh reality of the Great Lakes’ unpredictable waters. As of today, the aircraft remains lost, a silent memorial to its four passengers and the community that mourned them.

Suggested Keywords, Categories & Glossary Terms

#Aircraft Wreck #Great Lakes Aviation History #Lake Ontario Incidents #Henderson Harbour Crash #Archie Laverty Flight #Watertown Aviation #Early Aviation Disasters #Unrecovered Wreck #Underwater Search Techniques #Great Lakes Maritime History