Viewing page 17 of 26

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

In February, 1917, Benoist exhibited one of his latest flying boats at the first Pan American Aeronautic Exposition at Grand Central Palace in New York City. Unable to get any United States military business, he left for Europe about this time where reportedly, he succeeded in securing some introductory orders for a few planes. Upon his return he started a flying school at Sandusky and inaugurated an airplane for the summer months between Sandusky and nearby Cedar Point Resort, with an afternoon flight to Put-in-Bay and return. There is evidence that Benoist was closely allied with the Roberts Motor Company at that time. The engine company had some new higher-power engines under development and Benoist was planning several new advanced-type planes. 

In the midst of these new expansion prospects, Benoist was killed on June 14, 1917, at age 37, in a most unfortunate accident. While on his way to work on one of the old-fashioned open "summer type" streetcars, he left his seat and stepped to the side running board of the still moving car, ready to get off at the Roberts factory. As the car rounded a curve he lost his balance, and as his body swayed outward his head struck a trolley support pole, knocking him off the running board. He was rushed to the hospital where he died three hours later without regaining consciousness. Benoist was not married and was survived by relatives in Missouri. Following a Masonic service at Sandusky, his body was sent to his home in Ironton, Missouri, for services and burial there. While he had not flown for some time he was known as a "safe and sane" pilot, having made hundreds of accident-free flights in connection with design experiments and development. 

On December 4, 1953, a Memorial Service was held at St. Petersburg, Florida, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Benoist Air Line and Benoist himself. Many aviation notables attended to honor this occasion. A replica of the 1914 Benoist plane was made and an attempt made to reenact the first flight in January, 1954, but it was not successful.