Based on the provided reference, Lt. Thomas Selfridge is identified as the first passenger to die in an airplane accident.
The First Reported Passenger Fatality
The tragic event occurred during early flight trials that marked a significant moment in aviation history.
On September 17, 1908, a Wright Flyer piloted by Orville Wright crashed at Fort Myer, Virginia. The flight was part of trials aiming to secure a contract from the US Army Signal Corps. While pilot Orville Wright sustained injuries, his passenger, Lt. Thomas Selfridge, tragically lost his life in the accident.
This incident made Lt. Thomas Selfridge the first reported passenger to die in an airplane accident.
Key Details of the 1908 Crash
- Date: September 17, 1908
- Aircraft: Wright Flyer
- Pilot: Orville Wright
- Passenger: Lt. Thomas Selfridge
- Location: Fort Myer, Virginia
- Outcome: Plane crash; Orville Wright injured, Lt. Thomas Selfridge killed.
| Role | Individual | Outcome | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot | Orville Wright | Injured | Pioneering aviator |
| Passenger | Lt. Thomas Selfridge | Died | First airplane passenger death |
The accident underscored the inherent risks involved in early aviation technology and development. The reference specifically highlights Selfridge's status as the "first passenger to die in an airplane accident."
You can find more information about this event and its historical context here.
