The L1 Cicada, a small yet robust aircraft, experienced a brief and tragic existence nearly a century ago. Today, there remains a glimmer of hope that a new version of this aviation marvel might one day take flight. The original Cicada, commissioned by Frank Lynch, a World War I flight instructor and stunt pilot, and constructed by Springfield aviation engineer Robert L. Hall for $10,000, perished in a devastating crash in 1932. Lynch, who intended to fly the plane with his wife Josephine around the world, postponed the journey when she became pregnant. Tragically, during test flights at Bowles-Agawam Airport on December 4, 1932, Lynch lost control, leading to a fatal accident witnessed by many onlookers. The impact, at nearly 100 miles per hour, caused the engine to detach, igniting the fuel and resulting in an explosion. Lynch, unable to be saved from the flames, was later interred with military honors in his hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut. The crash was attributed to pilot error, not mechanical failure.
Efforts are now underway to construct a replica of the Cicada. Eric Hall, son of the original designer, is involved in this project, aiming to honor the golden age of civil aviation in the Springfield area. Aviation historian Matt Lawlor, another key figure in the project, emphasizes that while much information has been gathered, more details are needed to ensure the replica’s accuracy. The team seeks any available technical drawings or blueprints and is reaching out to the public for assistance. The original plane’s Pratt & Whitney engine, the “Wasp Junior,” is not difficult to obtain, but the overall project is expected to cost several hundred thousand dollars.
Robert Hall, an accomplished designer who worked on the Gee Bee Z and other notable aircraft, was the mastermind behind the Cicada. Hall’s career flourished despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression. After his time with the Granville Brothers Aircraft Co., Hall established the Springfield Aircraft Co., where he built the Cicada. Following the 1932 crash, Hall continued to make significant contributions to aviation, including his work with Grumman on several World War II aircraft, before retiring in 1970. His legacy lives on through the efforts to recreate the Cicada and the rich history of air racing in Springfield.
The project is also personal for Lawlor, who has been fascinated by aircraft since childhood and has dedicated himself to studying the history of Springfield’s aviation industry. He collaborates closely with Eric Hall, and together they strive to bring the Cicada back to life. The replica, classified as an experimental aircraft by the Federal Aviation Administration, promises to be safe and reliable. The ultimate goal is for the aircraft to be displayed in Massachusetts, allowing it to be admired and appreciated, before being retired to a museum where it can be preserved as a piece of aviation history.