Sunday, April 13, 2025

"Wing Walker" Loses Fingertips to Propellor 2,000 Feet Above Kernersville, April 14, 1925

Airplane Performer Misses Death by Hair. . . Hanging by Feet, Propellor Cuts Off Ends of His Fingers

Winston-Salem, April 13—E.C. Sutton of Greensboro, aviator, wing walker and parachute jumper, narrowly escaped death today while giving an exhibition of wing walking at Snipes Field near Kernersville.

Sutton was performing on a plane driven by Harry Hermon of Lenoir. After walking the wings of the plane and giving many thrilling demonstrations, he let himself down on the running gear of the machine and swung out by the feet, head down. The force of the flying machine carried his body outward and his outstretched hands came into contact with the whirling propeller. Fortunately, only the tips of the fingers on his right hand were struck by the propeller. They were completely severed from his hand. For a moment it seemed that he would lose his grip upon the machine and be hurled to the earth, 2,000 feet below, but he recovered his control, and with one hand helpless he climbed back into the pit of the machine and was landed safely.

From page 7 of The Concord Daily Tribune, Tuesday, April 14, 1925

newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn92073201/1925-04-14/ed-1/seq-7/#words=APRIL+14%2C+1925

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