Ralph Johnstone facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ralph Greenley Johnstone
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Ralph Greenley Johnstone
September 18, 1880 Parsons, Kansas, U.S
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| Died | November 17, 1910 (aged 30) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
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| Cause of death | Aircrash |
Ralph Greenley Johnstone (born September 18, 1880 – died November 17, 1910) was an American pilot. He was the first American to die while flying an airplane that crashed. People called him and his friend Archibald Hoxsey the "heavenly twins." This was because they often tried to fly higher than anyone else.
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Early Life and Flying Career
Ralph Johnstone was born in Parsons, Kansas, on September 18, 1880. Before he became a pilot, Ralph was a performer. He was a trick bicycle rider in vaudeville shows. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment with many different acts. Ralph's special trick was doing a forward somersault in midair on his bike!
Later, he joined the Wright exhibition team. This team flew airplanes built by the famous Wright brothers. They showed off flying to crowds. On August 17, 1910, Ralph survived a plane crash in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
Setting Altitude Records
On October 27, 1910, a big flying competition happened. It was called the International Aviation Tournament. It took place at the Belmont Park racetrack in Elmont, New York. Pilots competed for prizes. There was a prize for flying the highest.
Ralph Johnstone set a new American flight altitude record during this event. He flew his plane up to 8,471 feet! That's almost 1.6 miles high. During his flight, a strong gust of wind pushed his plane backward. He landed safely near Artist Lake in Middle Island, New York.
Tragic End
Sadly, Ralph Johnstone died on November 17, 1910. He was flying in Denver, Colorado, when his plane crashed. His Model B airplane was quite new. Photos of the crash show that parts of the plane still looked shiny and fresh from the factory.
However, Ralph had damaged one of the plane's wings in an earlier landing. He tried to fix it himself, but the repair was not strong enough. During his next high-altitude flight, the weak wing broke apart. Ralph's plane fell from the sky. Many people watching saw the terrible accident.
Legacy and Recognition
Ralph Johnstone was married and had two children. His daughter was named Ethel, and his son was named Ralph.
Today, you can find a special plaque in New York State. It is a historic marker that remembers Ralph's landing at Artist Lake. The plaque is located near the lake along New York State Route 25 in Middle Island. Ralph was good friends with fellow pilot Archibald Hoxsey. He was also friendly with Eugene Ely, a pilot from the rival Curtiss team.
See also
- List of fatalities from aviation accidents
