Transatlantic flight.

Between May 8 and May 27, 1919, three Curtiss flying boats set out to complete the first transatlantic flight in history. On May 8, the NC-1, NC-3, and NC-4 took off from Rockaway, Queens, New York, for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the first leg of the transatlantic journey. The flight was under the command of John Towers, who was also the commanding officer and navigator of NC-3. NC-4 was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Albert C. Read, and NC-1 by Lieutenant Commander Patrick N. L. Bellinger, all of the U.S. Navy. En route, the NC-4 developed engine trouble off Cape Cod and was diverted to Chatham, Massachusetts. The NC-1 and NC-3 arrived at Halifax without incident and, on May 10, continued on to Trepassey Bay, Newfoundland. On May 14, NC-4 flew to Halifax and arrived at Trepassey Bay on the next day. On May 16, NC-1, NC-3, and NC-4 departed Trepassey Bay for Horta in the Azores. On May 17, NC-4 arrived at Horta. NC-1 landed at sea and sank three days later. Its crew was picked up by the Greek freighter Ionia. NC-3 was badly damaged after landing off Horta.