The Mystery Crash: Sky Scout Series, #1

"The Mystery Crash" by Van Powell is a children's mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around three young boys, Bob, Al, and Curt, who stumble upon a mysterious airplane hidden in a cornfield while on a joyride. Their curiosity sparks a series of adventures as they endeavor to solve the mystery behind the abandoned aircraft and the strange events that follow, including a plane crash that leads to their involvement in a larger investigation. At the start of the book, Bob, Al, and Curt are on an airplane during a test flight when they spot an airplane concealed among trees in a field below. Eager to explore this enigma, they convince the pilot, Lang, to circle back for a closer look. Upon investigation, they discover the aircraft is hidden and seemingly abandoned, leading to a note that adds to the mystery. The following day, the boys return to find the plane has vanished, ultimately redirecting their curiosity towards a recent airplane accident that involves a pilot missing after a crash near Rocky Lake. This incident intertwines their lives with a more significant mystery related to their father's detective work, setting the stage for the boys to form a club called the Sky Squad as they navigate the thrilling twists of the story.