IGNATUS SEMINONK

"Aviator Clarke Killed, When His Monoplane, No. 13, Fell 260 Feet. Tragedy Mars the Aviation Meet at Nassau, L. I. Five of the Most Prominent Aviators Entered for the Meet Withdraw from the Contest," Daily Journal and Tribune, Knoxville, Tennessee: September 26, 1911, Transcribed by Bob Davis - 11-25-03 "Nassau Boulevard, L. I., Sept. 25. - The international aviation meet was marred today by the tragic death of Dr. J. C. Clarke, of New York, an amateur, who was to try for his license tomorrow. He fell 260 feet in his Queen Bleriot monoplane sustaining such injuries that he died at 7:50 tonight."      "Dr. Clarke had not intended to fly today in his machine, which is numbered thirteen. This morning, however, after Ignatus Seminonk, the Russian aviator, had flown to Mineola and back, in Dr. Clarke's machine the wheels were smashed by the bad landing, and the doctor was so concerned over the accident that after repairs had been made he took the flyer up to test it. He had flown only 500 yards rising rapidly when he seemed to lose control and was dashed to the turf. As the aeroplane crashed on the ground it turned over, catching the amateur aviator under it and crushing him. Five of the most prominent aviators entered for the meet this afternoon withdrew from the contest. Eugene Ely, George W. Beatty, Harry Atwood, Bud Mars and J.A.D. McCurdy were those who decided to discontinue their flights. Ely and McCurdy expressed dissatisfaction with the rules while the three others stated that there was not enough money in the meet for them. Mlle. Héléne Dutrieu refused to fly today until she received more money. "In the speed contest for monoplanes today, Grahame-White won the prize of 600, flying ten miles at an average speed of sixty-one and one half miles an hour. Matilda Moisant went up 1,414 feet. In the bomb-dropping event, Beatty's passenger, Genevive O'Hagan, dropped the missle five feet and nine inches from the bull's eye, winning the event.      "Tomorrow Postmaster-General Hitchcock is to fly with Grahame-White to Mineola, carrying several sacks of United states mail to personally test the possibility of aerial mail transportation." Bob Davis

 

I have no information as to his dates of birth or death.   Editor's Note: If you have any more information on this pioneer aviator please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper

 

Back