Summary

Huge single 8-foot diameter tire on the XB-19 bomber is seen rolling over airfield ramp at the Douglas aircraft company Clover Field in Santa Monica, California. Douglas engineers walk along beside the B-19 aircraft as it is being towed. U.S. Army Air Forces test pilot, Major Stanley M. Umstead, stands with a Douglas Aircraft Company executive, in front of the XB-19 wheel. A mechanic is seen on an engine nacelle, looking down over the propeller.The XB-19 is towed into position. View of the empennage, with rudder slightly turned. The airfield is crowded with Douglas company employees out to watch the aircraft's first flight. Baggage being loaded on the aircraft. Engines start and the XB-19 taxis and takes off and does not raise its landing gear. The XB-19 in flight,with landing gear still extended, seen from a chase airplane. It departs the coastline. View from beneath the XB-19 as it cruises, at low speed. The XB-19 coming in for a landing at March field, Riverside, California. The pilot rounds out high and porpoises a bit until touching down on main wheels, and slowly lowering the plane onto its nose wheel. The XB-19 rolls out on the runway showing full flaps. A crowd has turned out to watch the aircraft's arrival.Newsmen and photographers gather as the crew stand on the ramp. Major Umstead, with cigar in his mouth, is interviewed. Location: California USA. Date: June 27, 1941.