Elizabeth "Bessie" Coleman (January 26, 1892 - April 30, 1926) was the first person of African American descent to become a licensed airplane pilot. She was also the first American of any race or gender to hold an international pilot license. Popularly known as "Brave Bessie" or "Queen Bess", her pioneering achievements served as an inspiration for a generation of African American men and women.
Coleman died at the young age of 34 while riding in a plane with her mechanic and publicity agent. Coleman's mechanic, William Wills, was flying the plane while she was in the other seat. She was not wearing her seatbelt as she was planning a parachute jump the next day and wanted to look over the cockpit to examine the terrain. Ten minutes into the flight, the plain did not pull out of a planned nosedive. The plane accelerated into a tailspin and Coleman was thrown 500 feet from the plane and died instantly when she hit the ground. Wills was unable to regain control and also died upon impact as the plane burst into flames.
Numerous books have been written about Coleman, including books which encourage children to believe in themselves and their dreams.
Coleman died at the young age of 34 while riding in a plane with her mechanic and publicity agent. Coleman's mechanic, William Wills, was flying the plane while she was in the other seat. She was not wearing her seatbelt as she was planning a parachute jump the next day and wanted to look over the cockpit to examine the terrain. Ten minutes into the flight, the plain did not pull out of a planned nosedive. The plane accelerated into a tailspin and Coleman was thrown 500 feet from the plane and died instantly when she hit the ground. Wills was unable to regain control and also died upon impact as the plane burst into flames. Numerous books have been written about Coleman, including books which encourage children to believe in themselves and their dreams.
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