Thomas E. Selfridge

Thomas E. Selfridge was a pioneer in the development of air travel and the first air crash fatality.

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Profession :

Aviator

Birthday :

February 8, 1882

Star Sign :

Aquarius

Death Date:

September 17, 1908

Age :

26

Birthplace :

San Francisco, California

Thomas E. Selfridge was an American military officer and aviation pioneer, known for his significant contributions to the development of air travel. He served in the US Army Signal Corps and played a crucial role in establishing the Aeronautical Division of the Signal Corps. Tragically, Selfridge became the first person to die in a powered airplane crash while piloting a Wright Flyer, with Orville Wright as his passenger.

Besides his aviation accomplishments, Selfridge was a skilled equestrian, winning numerous horseback riding competitions. He was also a member of a hunting club in Virginia.

Some of Thomas E. Selfridge’s notable achievements include:
1. Acting as an observer for the United States government and communicating with the Wright brothers on behalf of the Aerial Experimental Association.
2. Designing the A.E.A.’s first airplane, the “Red Wing.”
3. Being one of only three military personnel trained to pilot a dirigible at that time.
4. Becoming the first US military officer to pilot an aircraft alone in the Aerial Experiment Association’s “White Wing.”
5. His unfortunate death in the 1908 Wright Flyer crash, which underscored the risks and challenges of early aviation.

Note: No specific date of birth is mentioned in the provided information.