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business with a beach hotel. In mid-March Crowell and Wiggin were taking aerial photographs of the hotel when the elevator jammed [[strikethrough]] in such a way that [[/strikethrough]] and they completely lost all control for climbing or descending. They steered the plane out to sea. With Crowell operating the control for sideways balance and directional steering, heading seaward, Wiggin left his seat, moved slowly forward on the skid to incline the airplane downward. 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. [[strikethrough]] this [[/strikethrough]] Their spectacular and skillful operation prevent[[strikethrough]]ing[[/strikethrough]]ed a serious accident and was witnessed by resort crowds on the beach.
In early July, 1916, Crowell and another Asheville aviator, Steve McEniry conducted a fund-raising drive to purchase an airplane for a local North Carolina National Guard Unit.
During World War I Crowell served the Government at various airfields assisting with mechanical operations.
After the war Crowell assisted Asheville aviator Henry Westall in establishing and operating a local aviation operation. Using a war surplus Curtiss Canuck, they started carrying passengers, making aerial photographs and giving barnstorming exhibitions through the South. At that 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 his 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.  His remains were returned to Asheville for burial in Riverside Cemetery.  
Flying Pioneer Henry K. Crowell was one of those early aviation enthusiasts who did their bit by learning to fly and contributing toward the popular acceptance of the airplane.  Throughout his life he retained his love of flying and continued to work in aviation.

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