Tragedy Strikes Over Lake Ontario: The Henderson Harbor Airplane Crash of 1935
On June 9, 1935, the tranquil waters of Lake Ontario near Henderson Harbor, approximately 10 miles northeast of Watertown, New York, witnessed a devastating aviation accident that claimed the lives of four men. The serene evening turned into a scene of horror when a cabin airplane plummeted from the sky, crashing into the lake from an altitude of 1,000 feet.
The victims of this heart-wrenching incident were Archie V. Laverty, 40, the pilot from Watertown, Francis E. O’Reilly, 32, also from Watertown, Gerald Conway, from Evans Mills, and a man believed to be Francis O’Neill, approximately 35 years old, also from Watertown.
Witnessing the tragedy unfold was Harry W. Green, a Watertown architect with a summer home on the lakeshore. He recounted how the ill-fated airplane suddenly went into a spin over the waters of Lake Ontario. The sound of the engine sputtering echoed through the air, leaving a haunting memory in Green’s mind. In a matter of moments, the machine nosedived into the lake, its fate sealed in a heart-wrenching crash.
The airplane, a cabin aircraft designed for comfort and passenger transportation, suffered severe damage upon impact with the water’s surface. Witnesses described the scene as the machine cracked up upon reaching the lake, leaving a chilling reminder of the fragility of aviation.
As news of the tragedy spread, the community of Watertown was left in shock and grief. Families mourned the loss of their loved ones, while the entire aviation community felt the weight of the incident. The Henderson Harbor airplane crash of 1935 served as a somber reminder of the risks and dangers inherent in early aviation.
In the aftermath of the accident, investigations were launched to determine the cause of the fatal crash. Speculations arose, with questions surrounding the airplane’s mechanical condition and the pilot’s actions during the flight. However, concrete details regarding the probable cause of the accident remain obscured in history.
The accident forever etched the names of the victims into the collective memory of Watertown and the surrounding communities. Their dreams of flight came to a tragic end on that fateful evening, serving as a stark reminder of the courage and risks faced by aviators during the early days of aviation.
As we reflect on the Henderson Harbor airplane crash of 1935, we pay tribute to the lives lost and the families forever affected by the tragedy. May their memory serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the continual pursuit of advancements to prevent such heart-rending accidents in the future.
mmer home on the lake shore. He said he heard the engine sputter and then saw the machine dive into the water. The machine seemed to crack up when it reached the water, Green said.”
