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Mignet HM. 14 Pou du Ciel "La Cucaracha", 1935. Creator: Edward Nirmaier
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Mignet HM. 14 Pou du Ciel "La Cucaracha", 1935. Creator: Edward Nirmaier
Frenchman Henri Mignet designed the HM.14 Pou du Ciel (Flying Flea) in 1933. He envisioned a simple aircraft that amateurs could build and even teach themselves to fly. In an attempt to render the aircraft stall-proof and safe for amateur pilots to fly, Mignet staggered the two main wings. The HM.14 enjoyed a period of intense popularity in France and England but a series of accidents in 1935-36 permanently blackened the airplanes reputation.This Mignet-Crosley Pou du Ciel is the first HM.14 made and flown in the United States. Edward Nirmaier and two other men built the airplane in November 1935 for Nirmaiers boss, Powel Crosley, Jr. Crosley was president of the Crosley Radio Corporation. He believed that the Flea might become a popular aircraft in the United States. After several flights, a crash at the Miami Air Races in December 1935 grounded the Crosley HM.14 for good
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This print captures the Mignet HM. 14 Pou du Ciel "La Cucaracha" in all its glory, showcasing the innovative design of Frenchman Henri Mignet. Created by Edward Nirmaier, this image showcases the first HM. 14 to be made and flown in the United States. Henri Mignet's vision was to create a simple aircraft that amateurs could build and teach themselves to fly. To ensure safety for amateur pilots, he staggered the two main wings of the HM. 14, aiming to make it stall-proof. This unique design gained immense popularity in France and England during its time. However, despite its initial success, a series of accidents in 1935-36 tarnished the reputation of this remarkable airplane forever. The crash at the Miami Air Races in December 1935 grounded Powel Crosley Jr. 's Crosley HM. 14 permanently. Powel Crosley Jr. , president of Crosley Radio Corporation, believed that this Flea aircraft had great potential in America. He commissioned Edward Nirmaier and two other men to build it for him in November 1935. Although fate did not favor their endeavors with this particular aircraft model, this photograph serves as a testament to both Henri Mignet's ingenuity and Edward Nirmaier's craftsmanship. Preserved within National Air and Space Museum's collection at Smithsonian Institution (NASM), this image stands as a reminder of an era when aviation technology was rapidly evolving while highlighting significant contributions made by individuals like Henri Mignet and Powel Crosley Jr.
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