Breese-Wilde Model 5
| Model 5 | |
|---|---|
| Role | Monoplane |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Breese-Wilde Aircraft Company |
| Designer | Vance Breese, Arthur F. Wilde |
| First flight | 1927 |
The Breese-Wilde 5 is a custom-built high-wing monoplane that was produced for and used in the Dole Air Derby of 1927.
The aircraft were conventional geared high-wing aircraft, powered with a Wright Whirlwind J-5 engine.
In 1927, Inspired by Charles A. Lindbergh's successful trans-Atlantic flight, James D. Dole, the Hawaii pineapple magnate, put up a prize of US$25,000 for the first fixed-wing aircraft to fly the 3,870 kilometers (2,400 mi) from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii, and US$10,000 for second place. Oakland built a 7,020 foot long runway, which was the longest in the world at the time in just 21 days to meet the Dole race start.Livingston Gilson Irving, (1895 –1983) was an decorated American World War I pilot who served in the 103d Aero Squadron, 3d Pursuit Group, U.S. Army Air Service, A.E.F., near Bantheville, France. Irvine was the first contestant to enter the Dole Air Derby. The aircraft he chose to purchase for the attempt was the first Breese-Wilde monoplane. Irvines father Samuel C. Irving was mayor of Berkeley and owner of San Francisco-based, Paraffine Companies Inc. where both worked. The company and its employees sponsored the aircraft for the attempt, naming it the Pabco Pacific Flyer and painted with the Indian head of his World War I unit. While most contestants had navigators, Irving was the only one qualified for both positions. While on the takeoff attempt for the Dole prize, Irving overran the runway. He was towed back, launched again, and crashed after stalling the heavily loaded bright orange Pabco Pacific Flyer. The landing gear collapsed, which precluded him from racing. Irving donated his radio to William Portwood Erwin flying the Dallas Spirit to look for downed racers. Erwin perished in the rescue attempt as well. Irving escaped uninjured exiting the ill-fated air race that claimed ten others lives.
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