Flight tests of the full sized MC-1, (registered to the Albert Criz company on 19 July 1943 as NX21757), commenced at March Field, California on 11 September 1943, but tragedy struck on a demonstration flight with Richard Chichester du Pont, special assistant to Gen Arnold; Col Ernest Gabel, another glider specialist on the staff of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and C. C. Chandler, thrice soaring champion aboard.
Inadequately secured ballast came loose when the glider flew through the Lockheed C-60 glider tug's propwash, causing a catastrophic rearward shift in the centre of gravity. The uncontrollable MC-1A released from tow and entered a flat spin which it didn't recover from.
Three of the crew and passengers jumped over board but only two survived the parachute jump.
