As work progressed, Bob Hall turned his attention to the International Air Races at Niagara Falls New York which were to begin June 24, 1932. At 8:40 p.m. the evening before the big races were to begin at Niagara Falls, the two place aircraft took to the air for the first time with Bob Hall at the controls. Spectators commented that it resembled a giant moth as it flew through the twilight sky. Actually the new speed plane was intended to resemble an insect, in its paint scheme at least.
It was painted green with cream and brown designs on its wings and fuselage patterned after the Cicada, a type of Mexican locust. To complete the picture, eyes were painted on the engine cowling. With these facts in mind, it is easy to see why the name “Cicada” would forever identify this aircraft
After its first test flight, which Hall considered a success, work continued on the ship late into the night. The morning of June 26th, Hall, bleary eyed from lack of sleep, flew the plane to Niagara Falls just in time for the final day of air racing. He had decided to race the “Cicada” at Niagara Falls just to see what the new speed plane could do in competition.
The Niagara Falls Manufacturer’s Trophy Race was the big event on the 26th. It was a fifty mile free-for-all race with a high cash purse plus a trophy. When all was said and done, Bob Hall flying the “Cicada” placed fourth. His comparatively poor showing can be attributed to several factors. First, the “Cicada” was not primarily a pylon racing plane nor was it completely finished. Second, Hall was certainly not in tip-top shape after the last minute rush, and probably did not do as good a job of piloting as he was normally capable of.
Bob Hall then flew the “Cicada” home where he completed final details on the aircraft. It was then officially delivered to Frank Lynch who decided to enter the 1932 Bendix Trophy Race, in preparation for his round the world attempt. After considerable testing, Frank was forced to scratch his racer from the Bendix competition because of engine problems which could not be smoothed out in time for the start of the Bendix race.
Determined that he would race the “Cicada” one way or the other, Frank Lynch hastily began the task of fitting his speedster with a P&W R-1340 “Wasp” engine (800hp) , hoping to at least get in some pylon racing at Cleveland.
At this point in my story we must go back to early 1932 and the second race plane that Bob Hall was building under contract. It also was due to be finished in time to compete in the 1932 Cleveland Air Races that were to begin August 27th and run through September 5th.
After sitting out the 1932 Cleveland races, Frank Lynch flew his racer back to Bowles-Agawam airport where it was to be gone over in preparation for future competition. A short time later after some minor reworking, Frank Lynch climbed into the cockpit for a routine test flight. But as it turned out, this would be the last flight for both Frank Lynch and the “Cicada”. For as the “Cicada” roared down the runway and became airborne, it suddenly veered from its line of flight and clipped a corner of a hangar top, crashed and burned as horrified spectators watched in disbelief.
L-1
Engine:P&W R-985 Wasp jr
Wing span: 34 feet 6 inches
Overall length: 23 feet 7 inches
Wing area: 170 square feet
Gross weigh: 3300-3500 pounds
est cruise: 175 mph
Top speed 210 mph
All Aero 