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broke and jammed in such a way that they completely lost elevator control. Keeping their heads they steered the plane out to sea. Leaving Crowell to operate lateral and rudder control, Wiggin left his seat and climbed forward on the skids and forced the plane into a glide. From a height of about 250 feet they succeeded in bringing the plane down about a mile off shore and were promptly rescued by a motor launch. This skillfully spectacular ending of a serious accident was witnessed by resort crowds on the beach.
In early July, 1916 Crowell and another Ashville aviator, Steve McEniry, sponsored a drive to raise funds to purchase a suitable plane for their local North Carolina National Guard Unit, including the start of a regulation National Guard Company.
During World War I Crowell served the Government at various airfields in a mechanical capacity.
After World War I Crowell assisted Ashville aviator Henry Westall in establishing and operating a local aviation venture. Using a World War I war surplus Curtiss Canuck they started carrying passengers, making aerial photographs and giving barnstorming exhibitions through the south. At the time Crowell was also connected with the Western Carolina Auto Company.
About 1930 Crowell moved to Norfolk, Virginia where he was employed in the Aircraft Maintenance Department at the Norfolk Navy Yard, remaining there until retirement. Crowell became a member of the Early Birds in 1931.
Continuing to reside at Norfolk, Crowell passed away in a hospital there on March 29, 1955 following a long illness, at age 55. He was survived by his wife and his remains were returned to Ashville for burial in Riverside Cemetary.
Flying Pioneer, Early Bird Henry K. Crowell was one of those early aviation enthusiasts who did their bit by learning to fly and contribute toward the acceptance of the aeroplane. While he evidently did not do much flying he did retain his love of the game and continued to work in aviation for the major part of his active life.

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FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE