The first five photos are of the same Western Air Express aircraft (NC 13327). Number six is a United Airlines 247 involved in what appears to be a less than lethal mishap. The involved aircraft and the circumstances of the event are unknown, so please send a message if you have some info.
The livery indicates that the accident occurred in either 1940 or 1941. I’m a docent at the Museum of Flight and tend to specialize in pre WWII commercial aviation, especially UAL since my dad worked in Portland, Seattle and Spokane for UAL and its predecessors from 1927 to 1973. I’m working on a book about the Boeing Model 40 series and would like to discuss the possibility of using some of your Model 40 photos. I’d be happy to swap images from my Dad’s collection, which is especially strong from 1928 to 1934.
Thank you for your interest. My dad too was a UAL employee (pilot based in Seattle 1945-81). If I can be of any assistance with the Model 40 stuff, let me know.
Will
Thanks, Will. My dad, Robert W. “Bob” Ellis, was maintenance manager for UAL in Seattle from 1941 to 1973. What’s your dad’s name? I may have heard my dad mention him as I’m sure they must have known each other. I’ll take a look at all your Model 40 shots and let you know which ones would be candidates for the book. Between my dad’s brother, a career flight engineer out of SFO from the start of WWII until the early 1970s, I’ve got a pretty selection. My dad’s collection is strongest in Pre WWII while my uncle’s, with a couple exceptions, is strongest from WWII into the early 1970s.
The only United operated 247 that crashed around this time was NC13361, which crashed during landing at Oakland Airport on Saturday, 26th October 1940. During the approach to Fresno airport, the landing gear appeared to be stuck. Efforts to shake it down failed, and the captain elected to return to Oakland, which had better emergency facilities. He made a flawless landing on the rain soaked grass, with no injuries to either crew or passengers. The 247 was rebuilt.
The Jive Bomber 
The livery indicates that the accident occurred in either 1940 or 1941. I’m a docent at the Museum of Flight and tend to specialize in pre WWII commercial aviation, especially UAL since my dad worked in Portland, Seattle and Spokane for UAL and its predecessors from 1927 to 1973. I’m working on a book about the Boeing Model 40 series and would like to discuss the possibility of using some of your Model 40 photos. I’d be happy to swap images from my Dad’s collection, which is especially strong from 1928 to 1934.
LikeLike
Thank you for your interest. My dad too was a UAL employee (pilot based in Seattle 1945-81). If I can be of any assistance with the Model 40 stuff, let me know.
Will
LikeLike
Thanks, Will. My dad, Robert W. “Bob” Ellis, was maintenance manager for UAL in Seattle from 1941 to 1973. What’s your dad’s name? I may have heard my dad mention him as I’m sure they must have known each other. I’ll take a look at all your Model 40 shots and let you know which ones would be candidates for the book. Between my dad’s brother, a career flight engineer out of SFO from the start of WWII until the early 1970s, I’ve got a pretty selection. My dad’s collection is strongest in Pre WWII while my uncle’s, with a couple exceptions, is strongest from WWII into the early 1970s.
LikeLike
The a/c in pic #6 wears a blue-white United livery adopted about 1940. UAL retired the 247s in 1942.
LikeLike
The only United operated 247 that crashed around this time was NC13361, which crashed during landing at Oakland Airport on Saturday, 26th October 1940. During the approach to Fresno airport, the landing gear appeared to be stuck. Efforts to shake it down failed, and the captain elected to return to Oakland, which had better emergency facilities. He made a flawless landing on the rain soaked grass, with no injuries to either crew or passengers. The 247 was rebuilt.
https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/349534
LikeLike