Edward Stinson
| Edward Anderson Stinson, Jr. | |
|---|---|
 Stinson and Lloyd Wilson Bertaud c. 1910–15 | |
| Born |
July 11, 1893 Fort Payne, Alabama |
| Died |
January 26, 1932 (aged 38) Jackson Park Golf Course, Chicago Illinois |
| Cause of death | Air crash |
| Nationality | American |
| Home town | Dearborn, Michigan |
| Spouse(s) | Estelle |
| Parent(s) |
Edward Anderson Stinson, Sr. Emma B. Beavers |
| Relatives | Katherine Stinson, Marjorie Stinson, Jack Stinson |
Edward Anderson Stinson, Jr. (July 11, 1893 – January 26, 1932) was an American pilot and aircraft manufacturer.[1] "Eddie" Stinson was the founder of Stinson Aircraft Company. At the time of his death in 1932 in an air crash, he was the world's most experienced pilot in flight hours, with over 16,000 hours logged.[2][3]
Biography
He was born in July 11, 1893 in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Stinson's oldest sister, Katherine, was an early female aviator. Eddie wanted to fly as well, and learned how to fly at the Wright School in Dayton, Ohio.[4] Stinson started exhibition flying in 1912. In World War I, he served as a flight instructor for the United States Army Air Corps at Kelly Field. In 1921, he set a world endurance record for flight.[1] The following year, Stinson worked as a test pilot for the Stout Engineering Company becoming the test pilot for the all-metal Stout ST-1 bomber.
In 1925, Stinson led a group of Detroit investors in building a new commercial aircraft, forming the Stinson Aircraft Syndicate. The prototype SB-1 Detroiter made its first public flight by February 21, 1926. This would lead to a series of successful aircraft designs built by the Stinson Aircraft Company.
Stinson moved into a large home in Dearborn, Michigan, where he lived until his death.[5]
Stinson died from injuries sustained while making an emergency landing in the prototype Stinson Model R. He was making a demonstration flight from Chicago when the aircraft ran out of fuel over Lake Michigan.[6] The aircraft's wing sheared off after striking a flagpole while attempting to land on a golf course. Three other passengers were injured.[2]
References
- 1 2 "Who's Who in American Aviation". Aviation Magazine. 1925.
- 1 2 "Eddie Stinson Dies After Plane Crash. 'Dean' of American Fliers Hit a Flagpole in Chicago in Craft He Was Testing. Had 16,000 Flying-Hours. He First Flew in 1911. Made a Notable War Record. Twice Held Endurance Marks.". New York Times. January 26, 1932.
Edward A. Stinson, 38 years old, dean of American aviation pilots and chief civilian instructor of army pilots during the World War, died here early today from injuries received last evening when a plane which he was testing in the dusk struck a tall flagpole in Jackson Park and crashed to the ground. ...
- ↑ Donald M. Pattillo. A History in the Making: 80 Turbulent Years in the American General Aviation Industry. p. 10.
- ↑ John A. Bluth. Stinson Aircraft Company. p. 8.
- ↑ The Kingsbury Castle is a source of history, enjoyment in Dearborn, Dearborn Press and Guide, L. Glenn O’Kray, Jan 10, 2017
- ↑ Wegg 1990, pp. 117, 128–129
- Wegg, John (1990). General Dynamics Aircraft and their Predecessors. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-833-X.