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‘Flyable Lookalike’ of Wright Brothers Plane Crashes, Kills 2

Flyable Lookalike of Wright Brothers Plane Crashes, Kills 2

The plane, called Silver Bird, was a model of an aircraft built by brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright. (Media credit: Wright B Flyer Inc.)

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (The Blaze/AP) — A newly produced “flyable lookalike” model of a Wright Brothers biplane crashed Saturday in the midst of its flight testing in rural Ohio, killing the two volunteer pilots aboard.

Both pilots had extensive experience flying the biplane, built by a company that uses the planes to promote public awareness of Dayton as the birthplace of aviation.

The pilots, 65-year-old Mitchell Cary and 73-year-old Don Gum, observed the highest standards of safety and made enormous contributions to the organization and the aviation heritage community, Phil Beaudoin, president of Wright “B” Flyer Inc., said in a statement Saturday.

Flyable Lookalike of Wright Brothers Plane Crashes, Kills 2

Two pilots died when the newly produced model of a Wright Brothers biplane crashed Saturday. (AP Photo)

“They were good friends and we will miss them deeply,” he said.

The pilots took the plane up around 10 a.m. Saturday, said Mick Lecocq, manager of Springfield Beckley Municipal Airport. He told WHIO-TV the plane could probably reach heights of 4,000 to 5,000 feet.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, which is investigating, said it received a call shortly before 11 a.m. about the crash, in an area surrounded by cornfields about 3 miles from the airport.

The plane, dubbed “Silver Bird,” was built to modern standards and approved for its test flight program by the Federal Aviation Administration, Beaudoin said.

The plane was the third produced by the company based at Dayton-Wright Brothers Airport near Dayton, and had completed about 25 hours of its mandatory 40 hours of flight testing, Beaudoin said.

Beaudoin said Wright “B” Flyer Inc. flies and displays lookalikes of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane, the Model B.

Springfield is about 45 miles west of Columbus.

Comments (73)

1 2
  • napues
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 2:30pm

    Yup, Secondhand Lions. “They went out with their boots on.”

    Report Post »  
  • banjarmon
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:13pm

    When I die I pray I will die doing what I enjoy as these two did….God bless their families.

    Report Post » banjarmon  
    • grandmaof5
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 3:55pm

      We should all be so lucky, as my father and father-in-law, both died doing what they loved. Where in Brooksville is your store?

      Report Post »  
    • chazman
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 4:37pm

      … damn …

      Report Post »  
    • Ruler4You
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 6:49pm

      There was a reason the Wright Brothers chose Kitty Hawk N.C. for their ‘first’ flight and didn’t attempt an Atlantic crossing or some other more risky venue.

      Report Post » Ruler4You  
    • briten821
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 7:10pm

      I don’t understand this “good for them, gong out doing what they loved” stuff- If you’d have told them that morning: “Guess what? You’re going to die today doing what you love!” do you think they’d be all for it? “YES! The moment we’ve been waiting for! Bring on the hard ground cause I‘m a’ taking this plane down!” Give me a break! Who wants to die at just 65 years old? Given the choice of dying young doing what you love and dying old sitting on the toilet, what would you REALLY choose?…

      Report Post »  
    • PhantomsPhorever
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 8:14pm

      When I die, I want to go like my Grandpa, peacefull, in my sleep. Not screaming like his passengers.

      Report Post »  
    • jorja
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:51pm

      Hah Phantom, that was funny.

      Report Post »  
    • corbecket
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 10:53am

      “When I die I pray I will die doing what I enjoy as these two did….”

      I enjoy flying airliners. This business of dying doing what you enjoy is not always a terribly good idea.

      Having said that, it is sad when anyone dies needlessly in an accident. I do hope that their families are blessed after this tragedy.

      Report Post » corbecket  
  • Okieflyover
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:09pm

    Second Hand Lions movie. Don’t want to give a spoiler, but the end of the movie came to mind.

    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327137/

    Report Post »  
  • absolutely
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 11:43am

    Gotta love it, any real pilot would jump at the chance to fly that plane. Myself included. Someone will figure out what happened and it will go up again. I would happily take it up. Not that it would make me any kind of pioneer, but if it wasn’t for those brave enough to push the envelope, we would still live in caves and light fires by rubbing sticks together. Thank you to all those that have died trying, the world is a better place because of them and thank you for those who have died protecting our right to build the future as a free people, the only kind that create. Absolutely

    Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 12:28pm

      .
      They went out doing what they loved.
      God bless them.

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 12:39pm

      Dittos to you BOTH!

      I’d take it up in a heartbeat!

      Now I’ve gotta look into Wright B Flyer, Inc.!!!

      I’ve flown a “Breezy” which was a HOOT and lots of fun. MANY of them running around and great safety record.
      I’ll listen for what happened on this one.
      For personal use, I enjoy a corporate jet or a twin for that extra comfort and safety, but, the open cockpit it an incredible pleasure to fly!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • texacalirose
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 12:51pm

      Absolutely one of the best and most succinct expressions of patriotism and faith in America I’ve read in a long time. I really needed that!

      A prescient Western poet spoke this:

      “The time will come, when thou shalt lift thine eyes
      To watch a long-drawn battle in the skies.
      While aged peasants, too amazed for words,
      Stare at the flying fleets of wondrous birds.

      England, so long mistress of the sea,
      Where winds and waves confess her sovereignty,
      Her ancient triumphs yet on high shall bear
      And reign the sovereign of the conquered air.”

      — Thomas Gray, 1737

      Report Post » texacalirose  
    • Okieflyover
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:07pm

      The movie “Second Hand Lions” to a tea.

      http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0327137/

      Report Post »  
    • absolutely
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:17pm

      @tomferrari Never had more fun in my life than flying ultralites. Crashed twice, not hurt but was doing things I would never do in a regular aircraft, would have lost my license and endangered others. The most fun was on floats over the beach and intercoastal in Daytona. Motorcycles of the sky. Absolutely

      Report Post »  
    • absolutely
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:25pm

      @texicalli Thanks, just straight from the heart. Absolutely

      Report Post »  
    • absolutely
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:27pm

      @ Texacali Thanks for the accolade, it’s just from the heart. Absolutely

      Report Post »  
    • chiggers
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 5:21pm

      I’m a pilot and I would not fly that thing. You can walk out to the plane knowing it will be your last flight or you can walk out to the plane NOT knowing it will be your last flight. These guys did the latter.

      Report Post »  
  • txwheels
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 11:37am

    Hmm..The Wright Brothers plane crashes and kills one, so now these guys are trying to fly the same design? Well DUH..

    Report Post »  
  • Secessionista
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 11:04am

    Very telling: Had it existed back then, the FAA would not allow the Wright brother’s plane in the air.

    Regulation inhibits innovation. The government prevents modern advancement.

    Smaller government is less intrusive and less abusive.

    Report Post » Secessionista  
    • LOLReally
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 11:54am

      Actually experimental aircraft comprise a large portion of the civilian airfleet today. It is the most inexpensive way for a new pilot to get into the air. Most are very small one seaters that look exactly like thier big brothers, some have up to 3 or 4 seats. All that is needed for “experimental” certification of your own home built death trap is an easy review with a certified engineer on your blueprints and as little as 1 inspection by a FAA official and your flying.
      Now if you want to make money with your plane or carry paying passengers then a whole other book of rules comes into play. In wich new ideas are discouraged without proper testing. And if not you would be screaming WHO TESTS THIS GARBAGE? HANG THEM!!

      Report Post »  
  • Conservative Democrat
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 11:02am

    First I would like to extend my condolences to the family and friends of the pilots.
    That said, I really think that the age of these two pilots played a role in their deaths. The “B” flyer was a “bent wing design” where you are laying down, face foreward and push on a bar to actually bend the righ or left wing to turn, the rudder (that controls the slip) are foot pedals. the design of the “B flyer” is difficult for a 20 year old as proven by Orville and Selfridge in 1908. It is a design for younger and much stronger flyers.
    As far as Kitty Hawk N.C. the olny reason the wright brothers first flew there is because of the prevailant strong winds, they believed that the only way to get their “heavier than air” craft off the ground was with a very strong headwind. The first “Wright flyer” was concieved, built and tested in Dayton Ohio then disassembled and moved to Kitty Hawk for flight testing. Kinda like an aircraft being built at the skunk works and tested at the Groom lake facility in Nevada.

    Report Post » Conservative Democrat  
  • sandy21957
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:57am

    they flew at Kitty Hawk for a reason. Sand. Makes a better landing.

    Report Post » sandy21957  
  • Tyr
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:55am

    The Wright “B” model was NOT the original Wright Flyer. It was the first model to be demonstrated to the military as a possible reconnaissance and surveillance platform. Many improvements that the original flyer didn’t have like a commercial engine (that wasn’t built by a blacksmith and two bike mechanics) and a wheeled landing gear. No complete original examples of the Wright “B” exist.

    Report Post » Tyr  
  • mikeye74
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:51am

    This accident is really ashame, am very sorry for the loss to the familys and the aviation community.
    Always wondered what older planes would be like with todays tech. especially the WW1 era planes.

    Report Post »  
  • Bua
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:41am

    The Wright Bros. airplane was primative in design,construction materials and fabrication techniques—all of which have undergone vast evolutionary improvements over many years at a great cost of lives due to failures and accidents along the way. These two brave guys used modern materials and techniques to build a primative machine and, in all likelihood, got bitten by some aerodynamic or control problem that was beaten out of the original design long, long ago. They were foolhardy but most loveable souls—May God rest them in eternal peace,

    Report Post »  
  • rockstone
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:37am

    “………………observed the highest standards of safety…….” The highest standard of safety would have been staying on the ground. And before you cannonize these guys remember, they put this stunt (Flying this thing nothing but a stunt.) ahead of a life with their friends and families.

    I pray for the spouses, children, grandchildren and friends of these two selfish and inconsiderate idiots who put on a silly stunt, with no purpose other than to land tourist dollars, before all else God had blessed them with.

    Report Post » rockstone  
  • Live_Free_orDie
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:34am

    September 17 1908
    Orville is seriously injured and his passenger, Lt. Thomas Selfridge, is killed in an airplane crash at Fort Meyer. Airplane crashes to the ground from a height of about seventy-five feet after a propeller blade breaks and the machine goes out of control. Shortly afterward…Alexander Graham Bell (who requested Lt. Selfridge to be on the plane) was found in a barn housing the crashed plane taking measurements in order to steal the design.

    Report Post » Live_Free_orDie  
  • aythya
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:20am

    Dayton promoting itself as the home of flight? Site of First Flight- Kitty Hawk,North Carolina National Wright Bros. Memorial- Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, State with FIRST-First in Flight License Plate- North Carolina. Dayton? – Home of Bicyles and Airplane parts, NOT flight!

    Report Post »  
  • bluedragon6769
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:20am

    TRUTH- What a misnomer!

    Report Post » bluedragon6769  
  • YepImaConservative
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:06am

    No, only the dim witted would write “LOL” as a comment to this story. I call you and your response to this article as someone who is spring-loaded-in-the-dumb-****-position.

    Report Post » YepImaConservative  
  • poverty.sucks
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:06am

    History repeats it’s self. Lessons already learned from that design.

    If you die in your next experiment, will go to Heaven?

    Report Post » poverty.sucks  
    • Redgare
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:13am

      experimenting and going to heaven are unrelated!

      Report Post »  
    • chips1
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 1:33pm

      You can’t fly to heaven unless your plane gets at least 54.7 mph. Every pilot knows that.

      Report Post »  
  • PatriotRider
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:03am

    You,son, are a classless idiot. Two people died and you laugh. At least these guys got out of their mom’s basement.

    Report Post » PatriotRider  
  • Quencher
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:55am

    We should not make lightly of the loss of 2 great pilots that were contributing to the advancement of aviation. Without such devoted, great pilots we would not be where we are in aviation today. They were the ones who ventured into the unknown (for us!) in order to benefit research that is an asset to our everyday quality of life. We should soberly honor their efforts as we honor all such persons who volunteer to benefit the standard of living for mankind. We lost them and that is sad.

    Report Post » Quencher  
    • rockstone
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:41am

      You are kidding right? I mean, it wasn’t like they were breaking new ground to find a new and exciting connecting route to Toledo.

      Or were they? Because I know mankind needs that!!

      Report Post » rockstone  
  • TRUTH
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:46am

    We should use this as an allegory. Instead of wallowing in our past (conservativism), we need to push forward and use newer technology and advance to the future (progressivism).

    Report Post » TRUTH  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:03am

      New technology like wind solar? worked great for Spain 25% unemployment we need more of that.
      Conservatism will always win out over progressivism because most Americans don’t need the central planners in government to control us with their laws to “protect” us.

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • flrick
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:12am

      Yeah, let’s just forget our history. It’s not imprtant, like giving handouts to useless idiots (progressivism). Remember, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. How progressive is that? Of course we NEVER see “newer technology” fail and crash, do we?

      Report Post »  
    • john1417
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:16am

      Ok there TRUTH first of all where do you see the root word (wallowing in our past) in the word conservativism? Second I don’t think conservitives mind progress in technology. It is in gov. that we have a problem with us progressing towards or away from what are founders knew. And that is big gov. is BAD.
      Now I am not the smartest cookie in the cookie bowl but even I can figure this stuff out. You libs like to twist words around and make it seem as though were not for progressing because we say we hate progressives. You obviously don‘t understand what we mean or don’t care. I will say it’s the latter.

      Report Post »  
    • imhunderdog
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:19am

      @Truth,

      It is extremely important to know where we came from to know where we are going. You cannot forge a head if you haven’t learned the lessons of passed problems in the “progress” of making the future better.

      Report Post »  
    • 912er
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:24am

      Here’s “Progressivism” for ya… China’s High Speed Rail – Derails and Kills 32
      http://goo.gl/8BUib

      Report Post » 912er  
    • hereandnow
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:24am

      TRUTH????? “wallowing in our past (conservatism)…. advance to the future (progressivism). lets get this straight, we wouldn’t have the technology of today had their not been the individual able to be creative within his own means to advance towards the future (free to create dreams come true), which are the true values of “conservatism”. This…, versus the “progressive’s” values of limiting the individual as to what they may dream and seek out based on what one or a few decide is deemed safe and allowable. If the progressives were in charge of our past, we would be limited as to what (we would be able to do or invest in), where (we would be able to go if at all), when (at what time deemed “appropriate” to them).

      Report Post »  
    • randy
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:26am

      Hey Truth, I see you’re a black man (Progressive) so when are you going to get over (the past) slavery? People like you, and Yes, I said it, People like you make me sick to my stomach.

      Report Post » randy  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:43am

      Take your our words to heart progressives / communist are so 1920′s – 30′s with their soul steeped in eugenics

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • mikeye74
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:47am

      Instead of all this,My side is better than yours, why dont you read the history of mankind and look
      at all the political changes since the begining of man. The reality that you begin to notice is that every
      time politics gets involved with the control of lives is turns to crap. Look at the history of the Dems and Repubs they are both currupt. But look at which party has done more to damage the country….
      it might suprise you. Progressivism is another word for Communist/Socialist,ask anyone who escaped from east Berlin during WWII. Honestly are you really that brain dead or just lazy????

      Report Post »  
    • sandy21957
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 10:55am

      Progressivism is the past. Hasn‘t worked anytime it is the primary form of thought in the 1800’s and 1900′s. Seems you don’t read history and just rely on the false stories of those wanting to manipulate you. So sorry for you lack of vision.

      Report Post » sandy21957  
    • TRUTH
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 11:17am

      My post was being misinterpreted. I’m not suggesting we forget or ignore history. I’m quite a history buff myself. What I‘m saying is why risk one’s life doing something that was dangerous in the past when there are newer and safer ways to do so. If we keep flying the Wright Brothers design, it’s going to keep crashing, it’s old and obsolete. Technology has to adapt to a changing world and so does America. Things can’t always be like they used to. Most replies were respectful and I appreciate not being called a troll. I’m glad most of you are willing to have civil political discussion. John1417, that political progression is maybe needed. America was such a small nation when the Founding Fathers were molding our laws and principles. A larger country may need a larger government though, especially with the hostile political climate of America today. FLRICK, if you want to have a negative paradigm, that’s fine, but you won’t be able to learn. I know that new technology fails, however, by fixing and not repeating the failures good ideas grow.

      Randy. Yes, I’m black. But tell me this, when did I EVER mention anything about slavery in my post? I’m over it. It happened, it’s done, I’ve moved on. No one in my family whines about slavery. I hope people like me (hard working, cultured, intelligent Americans) don’t make you sick to your stomach! Please don’t generalize a whole people, it makes you look very ignorant.

      Report Post » TRUTH  
    • hereandnow
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 4:06pm

      @TRUTH nice try on correcting yourself… unfortunately, you were the one to introduce CONSERVATISM as a negative connotation (”…wallowing in our past”) vs PROGRESSIVISM as positive (”…use newer technology and advance to the future”). A point you were making was to include “…we NEED to PUSH forward… “( socialist/progressive mentality) vs “ALLOW to MOVE forward…” (capitalist/conservative mentality). A capitalist/conservative society allows an individual to attempt and learn from their failures, whereas socialism/progressivism determines your limitations, i.e. “this is whats best for you”.

      Report Post »  
    • Czar Casm
      Posted on August 1, 2011 at 11:26am

      Hey Truth, I appreciate your follow up response but I have to disagree with you about your idea of the federal government. The founders never intended that the federal government should replace the sovereignty and power of the states. The states created the federal government, not the other way around.
      If any “political progression” is needed it is the states responsibility and the willingness of that states people to pay for it. A state can be as progressive or conservative as the people will allow it. One size (big central government) does not fit all.

      Report Post »  
  • clingingtogodandguns
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:43am

    Evidently not very flyable ya think!!!!

    Report Post »  
  • ejbonk
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:43am

    Oh,my Dear God. Those poor men and their families. I pray they did not suffer long and that god may truely bless their families in this time of great sorrow and loss.

    May God have mercy on those that find this humorous.

    Report Post »  
  • BlackAce41
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:42am

    My god be with them. But people need to remember that the older aircraft no matter if they are rebuilds or recreations they where meant to be flown at lower altitudes on the first flight.

    Report Post » BlackAce41  
    • gotta light
      Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:49am

      Did anyone tell these people that the Wright Bros first flight was 12 seconds and only went 120 feet?
      The best they did that day was 59 secs for 852 feet.
      Something tells me the Silver Bird people were pushing their luck just a little to far…

      Hey bid gotta light?

      Report Post » gotta light  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:40am

    LOL????

    Are the deaths of these two so amusing?

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • hifi74
    Posted on July 31, 2011 at 9:39am

    ‘Flyable Lookalike’ ????

    Sounds like the tag line needs to be changed to Semi-Flyable, Sometimes-Flyable, etc.

    Report Post » hifi74  
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