Laurel Mountain Helldiver crash with Brian Snyder.

On October 9th, 1945, members of Bombing Squadron 97 consisting of 21 Curtiss Helldivers, were returning to their base in Michigan after participating in the Nimitz Day Celebration held in Washington, D.C. Encountering heavy fog approaching the Laurel Highlands, they decided to turn back towards New Cumberland. One of the aircraft lost it's way and crashed into the side of a mountain. Killed in the accident were the plane’s pilot and radio operator.