Robinson, W.C. "Billy" (March 11, 1916)

ROBINSON

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/10/2010 at 20:33:25

FALLS FROM DIZZY HEIGHT IN BIPLANE

Scene of Tragedy In Field on James Donnan Farm Southwest of Ewart.

WAS ATTEMPTING TO BREAK ALTITUDE RECORD

Had Reached Dizzy Height When Machine Came Down in Uncertain Circles.

Brave-hearted, indomitable to the last, W.C. Robinson went down to death with his biplane at 4:30 on Saturday afternoon. He met his untimely end like a knight in his armor, wearing the quilted leather jacket which he had worn whenever he braved the air. He met his death seeking to bring about the conquest of the limitless realms above. "Billy" Robinson was not a dare-devil. He was not a Beachey. He met his death in the legitimate discharge of his daily work, and whatever it was that sent his biplane hurtling down from the heavens, all Grinnell knows that whatever happened was not "Billy's" fault.

More than any one can say, Grinnell mourns this daring aviator. The whole town knew him and was proud of him. When the news came that the end had come it was as though all Grinnell drew a sob and a sigh. The scene of the accident was a pasture on the James Donnan farm, about a mile southwest of Ewart.

Robinson met his death in an attempt to break the high altitude record.