A view of Howard Hughes (right) being asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane by Senator Harry Cain (left), Republican of Washington, in Culver City, California. An unidentified man sits between the two.

Description given with photo: "Howard Hughes Is Asked About His XF-11 By Senator! Culver City, Calif. - Millionaire plane builder Howard Hughes, left, is asked about his controversial XF-11 photo reconnaissance plane, background, by Senator Harry Cain, right, Republican of Washington. Cain is member of the Senate War Investigating Committee, and inspected Hughes craft after the plane builder had test flown the ship. An earlier model of same design nearly cost Hughes his life when it crashed in Beverly Hill last winter. Note wind-blown hair on both Pilot Hughes and observer Cain. Photo by Felix Pagel. 8/16/47."

A view of the near-fatal crash of Howard Hughes' XF-11 in Culver City, California.

A view of the near-fatal crash of Howard Hughes' XF-11 in Culver City, California.

A view of the near-fatal crash of Howard Hughes' XF-11 in Culver City, California.

An aerial view of Las Vegas-Squires park & City Hall-Dula Memorial Center (left front) before City Library & new State Building.

An overhead view of the near-fatal crash of Howard Hughes' XF-11 in Culver City, California.