Moving Forward: Contract Agreements: Less Success in the US
Orville traveled to Fort Myer, in Arlington, Virginia in hopes of securing a manufacturing contract with the US government. While in France, Wilbur simply had to demonstrate the Flyer’s abilities. Orville had to prove it could carry a passenger.
On September 17th, 1908, Orville brought Lt. Thomas Selfridge on board. Shortly after takeoff, a mysterious popping noise began. While Orville tried to fix the situation, it was too late. The Flyer dove toward the ground, and was destroyed on impact. Orville survived the crash, however his passenger died in the hospital later that day. |
After hearing the news of Orville's crash, Wilbur began to take passengers with him in France. In 1909, Wilbur returned to the US and helped Orville prepare for his next, re-staged, test flight at Fort Myer. That flight occurred on July 30, 1909, with Benny Foulois as his passenger. Orville kept the flyer aloft for the 10-mile loop the US government had set, and proceeded back to Fort Myer. With this flight, Orville and Wilbur had both proven their flyer could realistically fly.
Obituary of Thomas Selfridge from the "Arlington National Cemetery"
You may need "Adobe Flash Player 11", click on the link at the bottom of the home page to securely download this free application.