When Was The First Airplane Crash: In 1908, the Wright brothers embarked on a journey across the United States and Europe to showcase their incredible flying invention. Everything was going according to plan until that fateful day, September 17, 1908. The atmosphere was electric as a boisterous crowd of 2,000 filled the air with cheers. However, the day took a devastating turn when pilot Orville Wright suffered severe injuries and Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge tragically lost his life.
When Was The First Airplane Crash
Back on Sept. 17, 1908, tragedy struck during a demonstration at Fort Myer, Va., when a modified Wright Brothers aircraft crashed. The pilot, Orville Wright, was seriously injured, and unfortunately, the observer, U.S. Army Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, lost his life. Lt. Selfridge’s passing was a devastating blow, as he possessed an exceptional understanding of airplanes, thanks to his collaboration with Alexander Graham Bell. His technical knowledge surpassed that of anyone else in the Army.
The Flight Exhibition Pre Airplane Crash
Before this incident, Orville Wright had already accomplished this feat. On September 10, 1908, at Fort Myer, Virginia, he embarked on his maiden voyage with his first official passenger, Lt. Frank P. Lahm. Just two days later, Orville soared through the skies once again, this time accompanied by Major George O. Squier, for a thrilling nine-minute flight in the Flyer.
These flights were an essential part of an exhibition specifically organised for the United States Army. The U.S. Army was seriously considering the purchase of the Wright brothers’ aircraft for a new military airplane. Orville faced the daunting challenge of proving that the airplane could effectively transport passengers in order to secure the contract.
Despite the initial success of the first two trials, the third one turned out to be a complete disaster.
Lift Off
Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge, a young and daring individual of twenty-six, eagerly volunteered to take on the role of a passenger. His involvement with the Aerial Experiment Association, an organisation spearheaded by the legendary Alexander Graham Bell and competing directly with the Wright brothers, showcased his passion for aviation. Additionally, Lt. Selfridge played a crucial role on the Army board responsible for assessing the Wrights’ Flyer at Fort Myers, Virginia.
At 5:05 p.m. on September 17, 1908, Orville and Lt. Selfridge boarded the airplane. Lt. Selfridge, the heaviest passenger the Wrights had flown with at 175 pounds, greeted the crowd as the propellers started spinning. Around 2,000 spectators were there to witness the demonstration.
As the weights were cast aside, the airplane soared into the air, leaving the ground behind in a matter of seconds.
Beyond Control
The aircraft soared through the sky. Orville maintained a straightforward approach and managed to complete three circuits above the parade ground at a height of around 150 feet.
The sound of light tapping caught Orville’s attention. He quickly looked behind him, yet saw nothing unusual. Taking a precautionary measure, Orville opted to turn off the engine and gracefully glide down to the ground.
Orville was about to turn off the engine when he suddenly heard two loud thumps, causing the machine to shake violently.
“The machine did not react to the steering and lateral balancing levers, resulting in a unique sensation of being unable to control it.”
An unidentified object detached itself from the airplane, and upon investigation, it was revealed to be a propeller. As a consequence, the aircraft swiftly veered towards the right. Orville faced challenges in operating the machine, leading him to switch off the engine. Undeterred, he persistently attempted to regain command over the airplane.
“I kept pushing the levers, but the machine unexpectedly veered to the left. I quickly pulled back on the levers to stop the turn and level out the wings. In an instant, the machine nosedived and headed straight for the ground.”
Throughout the flight, Lt. Selfridge chose to remain silent, taking moments to check Orville’s reaction to the unfolding situation.
At an altitude of approximately 75 feet, the airplane began a sharp descent towards the ground. Lt. Selfridge whispered, “Oh! Oh!”
The Final Crash
Orville lost control and the Flyer plummeted towards the ground, crashing hard upon impact. The crowd initially fell into a stunned silence before rushing over to the wreckage.
Following the crash, a cloud of dust enveloped Orville and Lt. Selfridge, both of whom were pinned in the wreckage. Orville was the first to be freed, despite being bloody but conscious. Lt. Selfridge, however, presented a more difficult situation as he was unconscious and had sustained a head injury.
Both men were carried on stretchers to the nearby post hospital. Lt. Selfridge underwent a surgical procedure, but unfortunately, he succumbed to a fractured skull at 8:10 p.m. without ever regaining consciousness. Orville sustained a broken left leg, several fractured ribs, head lacerations, and multiple bruises.
Lt. Thomas Selfridge received a dignified burial at Arlington National Cemetery, where he was laid to rest with full military honors. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the inaugural individual to lose his life in an aircraft accident.
On October 31, Orville Wright was discharged from the Army hospital. Despite his ability to walk and fly once more, Orville still experienced the lingering effects of previously undetected hip fractures.
Orville subsequently concluded that the collision occurred due to a stress crack in the propeller. The Wright brothers promptly undertook a redesign of the Flyer to rectify the deficiencies that contributed to this unfortunate incident.
Sources
- Howard, Fred. A Biography of the Wright Brothers: Wilbur and Orville. Alfred A. Knopf, 1987, New York.
- Prendergast, Curtis. The First Aviators. Published in 1980 by Time-Life Books in Alexandria, VA.
- Whitehouse, Arch. The Early Birds: The Incredible Achievements of Aviation Pioneers. Doubleday & Company, 1965, Garden City, NY.
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