I was wondering if anyone could identify the plane my great grandfather (Francis W. Reed) is standing in front of? The picture was probably taken in Indiana.
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3$\begingroup$ Can you tell us where and when this photo was taken? Are there other photos of the same airplane? (Can you also state your grandfather's name and any connection to the airplane - pilot? mechanic? pilot's buddy?) $\endgroup$– Camille GoudeseuneCommented Jul 28, 2023 at 1:16
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1$\begingroup$ Unfortunately I do not have a location or date for the photo (most likely Indiana). My great grandfather lived in southeastern Indiana and from what I was told he owned and piloted this airplane. His name was Francis W. Reed. Thanks for you help! $\endgroup$– TmanCommented Jul 28, 2023 at 2:13
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1$\begingroup$ My first thought was a Tiger Moth (OY-DIH, perhaps) but the bracing between the wings doesn't match. Shape of the fin does though. These old biplanes were all extensively modified, so it's always hard to be 100% sure. $\endgroup$– Jamiec ♦Commented Jul 28, 2023 at 11:41
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1$\begingroup$ My great grandfather is on the left with the bandana. I believe he is in his 40s and was born in 1901. Thank you all again for the help! $\endgroup$– TmanCommented Jul 28, 2023 at 17:41
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1$\begingroup$ I am not sure it’s a Tiger Moth. The rear horizontal stabilizer sits below the the fuselage. From all the photos I have seen, the Tiger Moth’s sits flush with the upper ridge of the fuselage. $\endgroup$– TmanCommented Jul 28, 2023 at 23:37
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1 Answer
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This aircraft is an Alexander Eaglerock A-4 registration NC701H built in 1929 by the Alexander Aircraft Company
There's not much information about this exact aircraft, but the same type features in a great article about The First Black Airmen to Fly Across America. It turns out there is at least one A-4 still flying - NC6927 - which you can see being flown in a short video about one of those aviators, James Banning.
Eaglerock A-4 (source) - note the deep sides for the forward cockpit, which you can see in your picture.
Eaglerock A-3 (source) - although a different engine, this angle helps makes sense of the struts in your picture.
answered Aug 10, 2023 at 12:31
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3$\begingroup$ Oh good find!! I think this may well be the one. $\endgroup$– Jamiec ♦Commented Aug 10, 2023 at 12:37
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$\begingroup$ That is a big airplane-- the guys in the original photo must have been standing quite some ways in front of the fuselage, to make the plane look smaller. (Wingspan is large, and they appear to be standing near wingtip.) PS -- second photo above-- looks like a rather low seating position-- how the heck could the pilot see anything at all during the takeoff run? $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 10, 2023 at 17:30
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$\begingroup$ The pilot sat behind. The forward cockpit could seat two passengers side-by-side. You are right about the size, I believe the first picture is a montage, I will replace. $\endgroup$ Commented Aug 10, 2023 at 17:55
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1$\begingroup$ Wow, that’s it! Thank you so much everyone for the help! Fascinating history as well. $\endgroup$– TmanCommented Aug 10, 2023 at 19:12