Existing comment:
Wright Flyer
In this scene, Orville Wright and 1st Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge complete a preflight check prior to their 17 September 1908 demonstration. The result of the flight would determine if the Wright Brothers' heavier-than-air flying machine could meet the Army's specification for a contract. Selfridge, who had already piloted other experimental aircrafts and dirigibles for the Army, volunteered to fly with Wright.
Thomas Selfridge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Thomas Etholen Selfridge (February 8, 1882 – September 17, 1908) was a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army and the first person to die in an airplane crash. He was also the first Active Duty member of the U.S. military to die in a crash while on duty. He was killed while seated as a passenger in the Wright Flyer, on a demonstration flight piloted by Orville Wright. |