Scott Crossfield, one of the "Right Stuff" test pilots, found in wreckage of plane - Apr 20, 2006
Famed test pilot found in wreckage of plane - Apr 20, 2006
Scott Crossfield was the first man to fly twice the speed of sound (Mach 2) in 1953, then flew an X-15 to Mach 2.97 in 1960. He died yesterday at the age of 84, flying his single engine plane on instruments in bad weather. He definitely had the "Right Stuff", and was featured in Tom Wolff's book and movie of the same name, along with his friend, Chuck Yeager, who broke the sound barrier in 1947. According to an Edwards Airforce Base bio, Crossfield flew practically every "X" plane there was! According to an NPR tribute, he also helped train the pilots for the centennial Wright Brothers "Wright Experience" reenactment of their first flight in 2003. Thanks for teaching us how to push the envelope, Scotty!
- posted by Larry H @ 4:12 PM