While piloting an experimental reconnaissance aircraft, the XF-11, over Los Angeles, Hughes was involved in a near fatal aircraft accident. An oil leak caused the aircraft to swerve violently. The plane crashed in a Beverly Hills neighborhood. After hitting three houses, the fuel tanks exploded. Hughes survived, but sustained major injuries.

The XF-11 before the plane crashed.

After the plane crashed at Beverly Hills.

Many say the Hughes’ later addiction to opiates resulted from his use of morphine as painkiller during his recovery period. The mustache he wore afterwards was meant to hide a scar on his upper lip caused by the accident.