“The Gliding Governor” – John H. Trumbull Before Glider Crash, Newark Airport – February 17, 1930

This original Associated Press press photograph, dated February 17, 1930, captures Connecticut’s aviation-loving former governor John H. Trumbull—nicknamed “The Flying Governor”—just minutes before a glider accident at Newark Municipal Airport, New Jersey.

Seated in the front cockpit of a primary trainer glider, Trumbull smiles and waves to the camera, dressed in an overcoat, gloves, and leather flying helmet. The open-frame aircraft features a sled-style seat and wire-braced wing struts typical of the 1920s–1930s gliders used for introductory flight training.

Later that same day, during takeoff, the glider lost altitude and crashed to the ground. Though the aircraft was damaged, Trumbull suffered only minor injuries and publicly vowed to keep flying—reinforcing his reputation as a fearless aviation advocate.

Historical Highlights:

• Date: February 17, 1930

• Location: Newark Municipal Airport, New Jersey

• Aircraft: Primary glider (open-frame, unpowered, auto-tow or bungee launch)

• Notable Passenger: John H. Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut (1925–1931)

• Event: Pre-flight photo taken minutes before a low-altitude crash landing

• Nickname: “The Flying Governor” / “The Gliding Governor”

• Press Source: Associated Press (AP) – with original newspaper clipping headline affixed to reverse

• Significance: Links early American aviation promotion with political history

An exceptional political-aviation crossover photograph, this image bridges the novelty of gliding in the interwar years with the high public profile of one of America’s most aviation-minded governors.