James J. Ward

James J. Ward (1889-?) was a pioneer aviator who made one of the earliest attempts at transcontinental flight.

Biography

He flew a Curtiss Model D pusher biplane named the "Hearst Pathfinder". On September 13, 1911 he attempted to win the William Randolph Hearst Prize flying from Governors Island in New York to California.[1] He withdraw from the race on September 22, 1911 after his aircraft's engine failed and he crashed in Addison, New York.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Flier, Seeking to Reach San Francisco, Lands at Calicoon Late in the Afternoon". New York Times. September 15, 1911. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C1FFA3A5517738DDDAC0994D1405B818DF1D3. Retrieved 2010-11-25. "James J. Ward, who left New York for San Francisco Wednesday, flying for the W.R. Hearst $50,000 prize for a transcontinental flight, reached Callicoon, N.Y., a few miles from here, at 4:35 o'clock this afternoon. He covered 59 1-10 miles in 57 minutes, having left Middletown, N.Y., at 3:38 o'clock." 
  2. ^ "Ward Quits Coast Flight. Comes to Grief at Addison". New York Times. September 23, 1911. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F50C12F93E5517738DDDAA0A94D1405B818DF1D3. Retrieved 2010-11-26. 

External links