July 8th marks the 60th anniversary of the tragic death of Hollywood pilot Paul Mantz. He was killed in the early morning hours just west of Yuma, Arizona, while filming a scene during the production of "Flight of the Phoenix." The intent was to depict the takeoff of the "Phoenix" from the desert floor, and it required Mantz to make a low approach to begin the takeoff scene. The cobbled-together 'Phoenix" was barely controllable and very difficult to fly. Nonetheless, Mantz had done the shot at least once to the filmmakers' satisfaction on the first takes, but was requested to make one more pass, during which the "Phoenix" unexpectedly hit the ground hard and bounced, breaking a previously damaged joint between the metal center section and the aft wood section of the fuselage. The airplane tumbled across the desert, cameras still rolling, with Mantz killed instantly and a stunt man badly injured.
The dramatic accident is well-documented and available to be seen on YouTube. (Search "Paul Mantz Accident")
A sad day for aviation.
A detailed story of the "Phoenix" and that day is here:
https://www.aerovintage.com/tallmantz-aviation/last-flight-of-the-phoenix/
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Scott Thompson
Aero Vintage Books
http://www.aerovintage.comWIX Subscriber Since July 2017
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