Miami Union

September 28, 1911 

MILLER, FRANK R. - Aviator Frank R. Miller, after having entertained thousands during the Miami county fair by his aeroplane flights, met his death just before 5 o'clock Friday evening being crushed under the motor of his machine which for some accountable reason fell to the ground from an altitude of about 100 feet just as he was preparing to light after the most beautiful and successful flight of the week.  As it struck the ground the gasoline tank of the machine which fell in the corn field just adjoining the fair grounds and in plain sight of the big Friday crowd at the fair, exploded and the wreckage was at once a mass of flames.  Dirt was thrown on the flames to extinguish them and the body finally drawn from under the motor but it was found death had been instantaneous.  The face and breast were badly burned but death had come from the crushing blow of the heavy motor on the skull of the unfortunate operator.  Miller's engagement in Troy was the result of a contract made by the fair board a few weeks ago with Charles J. Strobel of Toledo by whom the aviator who lost his life was employed.  There had been a demand for this feature for this year's fair and after negotiating with several other aviation companies Secretary Martin finally made the contract with Strobel according to the terms of which two flights were to be made daily by an operator in a Curtis biplane, weather permitting, and at least two flights must be made during the week.  The price to be paid was $800.  Frank R. Miller, aviator, who had been engaged in the hazardous work only since last April, accompanied by two mechanics, was sent here to fulfill the contract.  Miller, who was about 27 years of age, was a pleasant and likable fellow and made many friends in the few days he was here.  He seemed anxious to please the people and entertain them and ____________ many flights as could reasonably be expected.  The machine was placed in a tent inside the race track and when it was not in use was on exhibit the admission fees going to Mr. Strobel.  Mr. Miller made his first flight Tuesday evening but as it was made just before dusk only a few witnessed it.  An excellent flight in which he soared over the city of Troy was made just at noon Wednesday.  That afternoon while in the Miami Union office he stated the air conditions at noon had been very treacherous and he had been very near falling and was consequently quite nervous.  However he bravely made a flight the same afternoon shortly before 5 o'clock, which gained him the hearty applause of the large crowd of spectators.  Thursday he did not fly although the largest crowd of the fair was on the grounds and anxious to see the machine in the air.  However it was generally conceded that Miller would have been glad to have made flights on that day had air conditions been favorable.  He seemed to feel the criticisms of the thoughtless ones who had displayed their impatience because he did not go up that day.  Friday at 1:30 o'clock after having carefully gone over his motor and machine he rose from the ground in a circling flight which took him south toward Troy and then returned making a thrilling descent in full view of the crowd.  At 4:30 he prepared for the second flight of the day which except for its tragic ending was much the best of the series.  He again made a very careful examination of the machine.  He evidently felt somewhat nervous for after taking his seat as he signaled to his assistants he shouted back, "Let her go, I'll be glad when it's all over."  The aeroplane rose gently from the ground and the last flight was on.  In this flight he rose much higher than in previous ones reaching perhaps an altitude of 1,000 feet.  He first flew away to the southwest, circled Troy, returned and flew at a tremendous rate of speed over the fair grounds.  Sweeping in a circle he again returned until he came just above the race track and then began an altitude ascent in which he reached his greatest height.  Again he flew toward the southwest and again returned gradually nearing the earth with a view to landing near the tent within the race track.  The aeroplane had started on its final glide toward the ground when all at once at a height of from 75 to 100 feet it turned clear over and plunged straight to the ground.  The explosion immediately followed and when the crowd in its mad rush reached the spot where the aeroplane fell, the wreck was in flames.  After the body was extricated and it was seen life was extinct it was given in charge of Undertaker Thomson to prepare for burial.  Learning from Miller's assistants that he had a brother and sister in Hebron, Neb., Sheriff Paul and Joseph Barnett telegraphed to the sheriff at the county seat for information and received a reply directing that the body be shipped there.  This was done Saturday evening.  Miller was unmarried and had no relatives in this part of the country although he had lived for several years in Toledo, Dayton and other Ohio cities.  Tuesday morning Judge Maier appointed E. E. Thomson administrator of the dead man's estate.  There was personal property amounting to about $200.  He had some money in a Toledo bank and a $1,000 insurance policy,  Papers found among his effects indicated he belonged to Criterion lodge, Knights of Pythias, of Cleveland.  Many theories have been advanced as to the reason for the machine falling but it has been pretty generally established that the accident was not due to any defect in the machinery or to unfavorable aerial conditions.  The reports sent to city dailies of the crowd jeering at the aviator and forcing him to make a flight were absolutely false.  The tragic ending on the aeroplane's flight and the aviator's career was a terrible shock to the spectators and really ended the fair as little more interest was shown and the crowds hurried away from the scene.  The news spread rapidly over the city and county and little else was discussed that evening and the next day.       

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