1910day.year
Ralph Johnstone
(1886 - 1910)
American pilot
American pilot
Early American aviation pioneer and record-setting pilot who died during an exhibition flight.
Born in 1886, Ralph Johnstone trained with the Wright brothers and became one of the first licensed American pilots. In 1910, he set a world altitude record of over 1,600 feet at the Belmont Park aviation meet. Known for his daring exhibition performances, Johnstone enthralled crowds across the country. Tragically, he died on November 17, 1910, while attempting a loop maneuver in Denver. His career exemplified the risks and excitement of early flight and inspired future aviators.
1910
Ralph Johnstone