H96.1.1956

Handwritten on the back, "'gassing' Maitland-Hegenberger plane. Bird of Paradise." Photo shows the Fokker tri-motor which Maitland and Hegenberger flew to Hawaii. The photo is taken looking at the nose of the plane. Several mechanics are standing on ladders working on the engine and other men are working on other parts of the plane. Parked on either side of the plane are two trucks, one says Red Crown Gasoline and the other Zeroline Oils. Laying on the ground next to the Red Crown truck is a row of gasoline barrels. People standing around or sitting a short distance away from the plane. On June 28, 1927 Lt. Lester J. Maitland, pilot, and Lt. Albert F. Hegenberger, naviagor/radioman, left the Oakland Municipal Airport for Hawaii. Both men were in the Army Air Corps. They flew a Fokker tri-motor which the Army had acquired in 1926. Although they had some serious instrument problems with their navigational equipment, Maitland and Hegenberger made it to Wheeler Field in Hawaii in 25 hours and 49 minutes making them the first to make the flight from the Pacific Coast to Hawaii.

Used: Oakland Tribune