Frost Class Delivery De Haviland DH-4
by Mike Newcomer, Artist

This detailed painting by artist Mike Newcomer is part of his Air Mail series.

The DH-4 was the workhorse of early air mail flying after being developed as light bomber in World War I and flew in all weather conditions. Powered by the Liberty Engine it was also flown by Hap Arnold in the 1920s.

This painting is of an actual historical scene when Air Mail pilot Ernie Allison was forced to make an emergency landing close to DuBois, PA.

Earlier, the local paper had reported an escaped ape from a nearby Zoo. When Allison knocked on the door of the nearby farm house looking for help and warmth, an old lady opened the door, screamed and ran off. Allison was wearing his standard leather helmet and matching leather face mask to avoid frostbite.