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Beginning May 18th Welsh made sixteen official flights, and many unofficial trails before his fatal accident. All requirements had been met except the loaded climb test of 2,000 feet in ten minutes. In unofficial attempts it was indicated that even under ideal conditions it was barely possible to pass this test. On almost all of his official flights Welsh had carried some officer or enlisted man, and among them was Lt. L. W. Hazelhurst, Jr. who has asked permission to fly with Welsh as much as possible as a means of getting more air experience. Whenever the weight carrying tests were conducted shot-bag ballast was secured to the center section of the plane. On June 10th Welsh made an official climb test carrying Capt. F. B. Hennessy, only reaching 1,500 feet in ten minutes. On June 11th they tried again, reaching 1,827 feet. Later that afternoon Welsh gave notice he wanted to try again. Taking off about 6 P.M. with Lt. Hazelhurst Welsh climbed to about 200 feet then dove downward at a very steep angle to gain momentum to assist the start of his climb. Nearing the ground, as he made the attempt to change his direction upward the center section of the plane gave away under the load, the wing folded up and they crashed to the ground, killing both men instantly. 

Welsh had just returned from Dayton where he attended the funeral of Wilbur Wright, and it had been a busy day for him. Orville and Katherine Wright came at once to attend his funeral, while there Mr. Wright made his own personal investigation of the accident and found all control wires intact. Welsh was 31 years of age. Married in 1907 he was survived by his wife, a 2-year old daughter and his own immediate family. He was buried in Adas Israel Congregation Cemetery at Anacostia, D.C. Welsh was a lover of the arts, and ardent naturalist and a perfectionist at imitating birds. 

Flying Pioneer Al Welsh was truly a professional. He never “played the grandstand”, firmly believed in safe, cautious flying, and had an enviable reputation  for his skill and safety. He had taken up hundreds of passengers and trained scores of pupils, and no one ever hesitated to fly with him. He was exceptionally well liked by the Wrights who had great respect for him, both as

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