The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-06-28
O'SU[LNAN ONLY
SLIGHTLY HURT IN
A|RPLANE CRASH
AdviCes State Pilot Who Was
Injured When Lewis M.
Layne Met Death Will Live.
/ Ship Hit Pole.

Advlces received Monday afternoon
over the Associated Press wires from
New York city In regard to the fatal
slrpiane crash at Mitchell field, near
Which Lewis M. Layne, aged 81. vice.
president of the Layne G. Bowler com
pany OF this city, was killed, stated
that Pilot William ]. OSulivan, who
the, accident, was only slightly injured.
The body of Layne will be sent TO
Los Angeles, CAL the home of his
parents, for services and interment
there, according to Memphis relatives.
The advices reviewed Monday further
stated that the accident occurred when
the machine was only about 200 feet
above the ground and that the plane
crashed into wireless pole instead Of
signal tower as at first reported. Pre-
vious adviceS received in Memphis
stated that ,O'Sulllvan was believed to
have been fatally injured.
The accident came when Pilot O'Sul-
livan, accompanied by Mr.. Layne was
attempting, to land at Mitchell field
pleting the first leg of the peturn trip
to. Memphis by air from Atlantic City,
where Mr.. Layne had gone as delegate
to the Rotarian meeting. Mr. Layne
was to have left the plane at Garden
Mascara mechanic, who had accom-
panied O'Sullivan in his flight to the
Eastern seaport from Memphis as far
as Cleveland. o. Mascara had come
after having given up his seat in the
plane to Mr.. Layne at Cleveland for
the flight into Atlantic City
Ellis Praises Layne.
1 A glowing tribute to Mr. Layne was
paid Monday by r. r. Ellis, president
OF the Memphis Chamber of Commerce,
with whom he was intimately asso-
ciated.
HE was one of Memphis most valu-
able able , citizens" Ellis said. He was
things. During the time he has spent
in Memphis he has done as much if
not more to advertise and assist the
city than probably any other man. We
feel a keen loss in his death, which
leaves a gap in our ranks that can
hardly be filled again"
Layne figured prominently in the re-
cent Chamber of Commerce member
ship drive. being one of the opposing
generals" The chamber will present
an elaborate floral design to Layne's
memory at the funeral services in Los
Angeles and on the day of the funeral
will place crepe on the front door.
Many kilograms of coincidence were
sent Monday to the widow and children
of Mr.. Layne.
According to reports received from
officials of the Long Island flying
field, the pilot had lost his bearings
and lack of lights on the landing area
caused him TO take the wrong route.
: The plane swooped down near the Of
ficers' club, and made sudden up
ward turn there. Later the crash was
heard at the opposite end of the field.
When reached by men from the club,
Layne was dead and the pilot uncon-
scious. Mr.. Layne was owner of the
plane in which he met his death.
First news of the fatal accident was
received in a message from an officer
of the flying field to Henry Hayley,
secretary of the Memphis Chamber of
Commerce. He notified Lloyd f. Layne,
brother, who called Garden City by
long distance telephone. AT that time
O'Sullivan was still unconscious and
unable to give any details of the crash,
Mr.. Layne came to Memphis about
five years ago from Houston, Tex. He
took charge of the local offices of
Layne & Bowler He was a director
of the Chamber of Commerce and a
member of several civic and CONNER
cial clubs. He lived at 304 North Nc
Neil street.
He is survived by his widow and
two children, who are in Los Angeles.
In addition, he leaves his parents, Mr.
AMI Mrs M. E. Layne, Los Angeles
three brothers, Lloyd f., of Memphis
Leslie A., of Houston, and o. A. Layne,
of Los Angeles, and two uncles, G. F..
Layne and j. A. Layne. of Memphis.