Charles A. Lindbergh's first "Crack-up"

Charles left Meridian and flew in the general direction of Texas. Charles was ignoring the following of a road or railroad and was flying by (the seat of his pants).  Charles had a compass, but unfortunately, it was in his bag, out of reach; he had failed to install it. So, he had a big map of the U.S.A. with little states. He was lost and not knowing where he was. Fortunately, he spotted a rail intersection.  So he got his bearings. Charles would need gas and was looking for a field to land and locate his position. He finally, after 30 minutes of flying, found a field. Charles circled over a few times, finding the field flat (mostly) and no rocks or ditches that he could see. He finally landed. A storm was fast approaching at this moment, so he taxied for the nearest fence corner to tie the plane down. He spotted a ditch at a reasonably high speed, but it was too late! There was a splintering of wood in rapid succession, and the tail rose out of the ditch. The propeller came in contact with the ground and splintered. Lindbergh commented, “My first crack-up!”

  The usual crowd gathered as the plane had alerted them with extensive loud noises. The crowd informed Charles that he was halfway between Maben and Mathiston, Mississippi. He flew a hundred and twenty miles North instead of West.

   The farmers pushed the plane out of the ditch. Charles arranged for a new propellor to be delivered. The townspeople helped install the prop; evidently, it was a bear to put on. His plane was put together and ready to fly!