Ryan NYP Maiden Flight Ground Roll at Dutch Flats (April 28, 1927)

Ground-level airfield photograph showing the Spirit of St. Louis head-on during first flight trials at Dutch Flats. — Ryan NYP Maiden Flight Ground Roll at Dutch Flats (April 28, 1927) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

A primary historical action photograph recording the maiden flight trials of the Ryan NYP Spirit of St. Louis at Dutch Flats, San Diego, on April 28, 1927. Photographed from ground level directly ahead of the aircraft, the image captures Charles Lindbergh initiating taxi trials and takeoff ground acceleration across the unpaved dirt runway. Chief Engineer Donald A. Hall observed and logged these initial trials to confirm ground stability, rudder steering authority, and engine temperatures under operational ground roll conditions.