Aviation and Rocket pioneer Dead at age 84

[Boomerang]

It is a sad day. It has been confirmed that Aviation and rocket Pioneer Scott Crossfield has died in the crash oif a small plane sometime yesterday aftercontact was lost on a flight from Alabama to Virginia. Some of you might remember Scott Crossfield from the movie and book The Right Stuff as the first pilot to bereak Mach 2. He was a test pilot who flew many of the X planes including the X-15 and was infact the first X-15 pilot to fly. He went on to fly for NACA and North American aviation as well as to work with North American on the Apollo Program and other rockets. You will find the article here http://www.space.com/news/cs_060420_cro ... _obit.html

[Boomerang]

Here is the official statement from NASA administrator Michael Griffan



David Mould/Bob Jacobs
Headquarters, Washington
(202) 358-1400/1600


April 20, 2006
RELEASE: 06-191


NASA Administrator Statement Regarding the Tragic Loss of Aviation Pioneer A. Scott Crossfield

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Michael Griffin on the tragic death of famed test pilot Albert Scott Crossfield.

"Scott Crossfield was a true pioneer whose daring X-15 flights helped pave the way for the space shuttle. NASA remembers Scott not only as one of the greatest pilots who ever flew, but as an expert aeronautical engineer, aerodynamicist, and designer who made significant contributions to the design and development of the X-15 research aircraft and to systems test, reliability engineering, and quality assurance for the Apollo command and service modules and Saturn V second stage. Today, those of us in the aeronautics and space communities extend our condolences and deepest sympathies to Scott's family."

Crossfield made aeronautical history in 1953 when he reached a speed of more than 1,320 mph, or Mach 2, in a Douglas D-558-II Skyrocket. He played an important role in the agency's highly successful X-15 research aircraft program in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He flew most of the early experimental X-series research aircraft for NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.

In 1993, Crossfield was honored with the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal for his contributions to aeronautics research and development over his historic 50 year career.

For additional information about Crossfield and his contributions to aeronautics visit,


http://www.nasa.gov/home

[CampGirlKelly]

Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease know that I feel like a jerk and a half for saying this, but does anybody else see the way he died as ironic?

kelly

[Boomerang]

I don't know if ironic is the word but i look at it as he died doing what he loved. Flying. What better way to die is there than doing what you love. He will be missed.

[CampGirlKelly]

very true. i guess we should all be as lucky.