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B.D. Foulois, observer, proceeded south, at noon, March 20. Proceeded south about twenty-five miles, from Casas Grandes, but were unable to rise over the foothills of the SIerra Madre Mountains, due to constantly encountering whirlwinds and terrific vertical currents of air, which, on account of the low power of the aeroplane, effectually prevented the aeroplane rising to an altitude sufficiently high to allow of crossing the mountains, which at this particular locality, rise to a height of over 10,000 feet above sea level.

On this same date aeroplane #48, Lieut. T. S. Bowen, pilot, while making a landing was caught in a whirlwind, which completely wrecked the aeroplane. Lieut. Bowen, escaped with a broken nose, and minor injuries.

- March 21, 1916. -
Orders received to locate troops under Colonel Irwin in the Galeana Valley. Aeroplane #44, Capt. T. F. Dodd, pilot, and Capt. B. D. Foulois, observer, located these troops at Galera Lopena, landed, and reported to Colonel Irwin. Returned to Dublan, with report from Colonel Irwin. As a result of this reconnaissance and report from Colonel Irwin, six trucks of this Squadron, loaded with supplies, were sent to Colonel Irwin's column.

- March 22, 1916 -
Orders received to communicate with troops moving south on the Mexican North-Western Railroad, and Colonel G. A. Dodd's command in the Galeana Valley.
Aeroplane #42, Lieut. W. G. Kilner, pilot, Lieut. I. A. Rader, observer, and aeroplane #45, Lieut. J. E. Carberry, pilot, flew to the Galeana Valley located Colonel Dodd's troops, landed and reported to Colonel Dodd. Returned to Dublan, with reports from Colonel Dodd, to Division Commander. Aeroplane #44, Capt. T. F. Dodd, pilot, Lieut. A. R. Christie, observer, and aeroplane #53, Lieut. C. G. Chapman, pilot, flew south into the Sierra Madre Mountains, in an endeavor to locate the troops, moving south on the Mexican North-Western Roaidroad. These aeroplanes were driven into the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, as far as the northern end of the Cumbre Pass tunnel, but due to terrific vertical air currents and whirlwinds, which at times drove the aeroplanes withing twenty feet of the tree tops, the pilots were unable to cross the Sierra Madre Mountains, and were compelled to return to Dublan.
As a result of this failure to accomplish the reconnaissance as directed the Squadron Commander submitted the following memorandum to the Division Commander.

22 Mch. 16.
MEMO FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL
PUNITIVE EXPEDITION U.S. ARMY.AT CASAS GRANDES.MEXICO.

1.In view of the fact that the present aeroplane equipment of the First Aero Squadron is not capable of meeting the present military service conditions, it is urgently requested that the following number of aeroplanes, motors, and spare parts be purchased, if they can possibly be secured in the United States. It is further requested that this order be placed by telegraph and immediate delivery of all equipment, by express, be specified.

2. Aeroplanes-
(a) Two (2) Martin aeroplanes, Model S, with army standard landing gear, Hall-Scott 125 h.p. 6 cyl. motors.
(b) Two (2) Curtiss aeroplanes, Model R2, Curtiss 160 h.p. steel cylinder motors.
(c) Two Sturtevant aeroplanes, 140 h.p. Sturtevant motors.
(d) Two (2) Thomas aeroplanes, 135 h.p. Thomas motors.
(e) Two (2) Sloane aeroplanes, 125 h.p. Hall-Scott 6 cyl. motors.
All of the aeroplanes above to be completely equipped, and ready for immediate use.

3.The manufacturer to furnish one (1) spare motor for each two (2) machines purchased,and in addition the following aeroplane and motor spares.