Conversation so far:
What date was the near fatal crash?
Hughes was involved in another near-fatal aircraft accident on July 7, 1946.
Did howard sustain any injuries?
Hughes sustained significant injuries in the crash, including a crushed collar bone, multiple cracked ribs, crushed chest with collapsed left lung.
Were those his only injuries?
shifting his heart to the right side of the chest cavity, and numerous third-degree burns.

Question: When did hughes get started?
Self-contained rewrite: When did hughes get started in his career?