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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 airplanes. On June 10th Welsh made an official climb test carrying Capt. F. B. Hennessy, only reaching 1,500 feet in 10 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 at a very steep angle gaining momentum to assist the start of his climb. Nearing the ground, as he pulled back on the pitch control lever, intending to zoom upward the center section of the airplane gave way, the wings folded upward and the airplane crashed to the ground, killing both men instantly.

Orville and Kathrine Wright came at once to attend his funeral, which was the sadder because Wilbur Wright had died on May 30th. While at College Park Orville Wright made a 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 two year old daughter and his own immediate family. He was buried in Ades Israel Congregation Cemetery at Ancacostia, D. C. Welsh was a lover of the arts, an ardent naturalist and a perfectionist at imitating bird songs and calls.

Flying Pioneer Al Welsh was truly a professional. He never "played the grandstand," firmly believing in safe cautious flying, and had an enviable reputation for his skill and safe flying record. He had taken up hundreds of passengers trained scores of pupils, and no one ever hesitated to fly with him. He was exceptionally well liked by the Wrights who had high respect for him, both as an individual and for his flying ability. He was blessed with a charming personality and his death came as a sad blow to his many friends and acquaintances all over the country. As one of the very first civilian Wright pilots, Welsh was best known as an instructor and test pilot, although he had done some exhibition flying during his career. His name appears on the Wright Memorial Plaque at Dayton along with the many other pioneers who learned to fly on those historical grounds.
His sisters, Mrs. Sidney A. Wiseman and Mrs. Margaret S. Win-Burg were still

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