Hamakuapoko Radio Beacon, Backround

Navy's Transpacific Flight Attempt

In late August 1925, the Navy attempted a California to Hawaii flight with a flying boat fleet of two Naval Aircraft Factory PN-9's and one Boeing PB-1. The Navy stationed a ship every 200 miles along the route (7 destroyers, an aircraft carrer, a seaplane tender and a minesweeper) as checkpoints. The PB-1 aborted the attempt and one PN-9 had engine problems after 300 miles and made a forced landing and was towed back to shore by USS William Jones (DD-308) which was stationed closest to the start. After about 24 hours in flight, the remaining PN-9, piloted by Commander John Rodgers radioed the USS Arrostook (CM-3) which was the second to last checkpoint his intention to land and refuel. The strong tail winds that was hoped for did not materialize. Rodgers could not find the ship and was forced down about 365 miles from Honolulu. The aircraft's radio transmitter was powered by a wind-driven generator which worked only while in flight so they could not disclose their position. Despite the largest search operation to date, the PN-9 could not be found. After drifting for three days Rodgers and his crew made makeshift sails from the aircraft fabric and four days later made a makeskift rudder from the floor boards. Five days later they had Ahukini Harbor on Kauai in sight. They wanted to sail into the small bay but made a makeshift anchor since if they continued it would be dark and risked damaging the aircraft further. They were sighted by submarine R-4 commanded by Lt. Donald Osborn who towed them about 2.5 nakutical miles south to the mouth of larger Nawiliwili bay. They were then towed into the harbor by a small boat powered by four oarsmen.

Army's Transpacific Flight Preparations

Albert Hegenberger who headed the Instrument & Navigation Unit at Wright Field in Ohio, had plans for a transpacific flight as early as 1920. His group had been developing and testing instruments and methods for such a flight since 1919. By 1927, the Army had acquired and tested a Fokker C-2 aircraft for the flight. Hegenberger was then tasked to install any special equipment and make final preparations.

Charles Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight

On May 20, 1927 Charles Lindbergh in his Ryan NYP (single-engine monoplane nicknamed "Spirit of St. Louis") departed New York City and arrived in Paris 33 hours later. He claimed a $25,000 prize offered by New York hotelier Raymond Orteig.

Dole Air Derby

Inspired by Lindbergh's feat, James D. Dole, founder of the Hawaiian Pineapple Co. (later becoming the Dole Food Co.) offered a $25,000 prize for an Oakland-Honolulu flight. A second place prize of $10,000 was also offered.

References

Beacon Chronology

Beacon Technical Information