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Turpin, J. Clifford, 1886-1966

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1886 - 1966

Biographical Note: Clifford Turpin

J. Clifford Turpin was an early aviator who flew with the Wright Exhibition Team.

Turpin was born on May 6, 1886. He attended Purdue University, graduating in 1908. He joined the Wright Exhibition team in 1910, flying demonstrations across the country. In 1911 Turpin established a new altitude record of 9,400 feet. In May 1912, Turpin rented a Wright Model C for his own exhibitions. While flying his Fowler-Gage biplane in a Seattle stadium, Turpin clipped an iron railing, veered into a grandstand and killed two people watching. After the death of his flying partner, Phil Parmalee, in June 1912, Turpin quit flying. He died in January 1966.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Biographical Information Files - T

 Sub-Group
Scope and Contents Inidividuals whose names begin with T: Takayuki, Takasow [Japanese pilot] Folder 1: Handwritten letter with biographical information about Takayuki, 1997Folder 1: Black-and-white photograph of Takayuki, circa 1911-1913 Tallman, Frank [Movie stunt pilot] "The Mad, Mad World of the Stunt Flier,"...
Dates: 20th Century

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