Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 288, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 December 1916 — YOUNG MAN DIES IN TEST OF PLANE [ARTICLE]

YOUNG MAN DIES IN TEST OF PLANE

Paul Rohrer, 19 Years Old, Loses Life In First Flight With Machine Recently Completed. Decatur, Ind., Nov. 30.—Paul Rohrer, 19 years old, of Berne, Adams county, lost his life today in an attempt to fly in an aeroplane of his own construction. The young man fell when he attempted his first flight and in a plunge of 100 feet was crushed beneath the Engine. Rohrer was a son of Fred Rohrer, editor of the Berne Witness, a weekly newspaper. He had been interested in aviation for several years and a year ago commenced the construction of the machine in which he hoped to fly. His father at first objected, but was prevailed upon to give his consent to the young amateur's efforts. The machine was wpll constructe 1 and it was expected that the young man would have no difficulty in controlling it for the short flight fte planned as a test. Rohrer had the machine in readiness for two weeks before deciding that weather conditions were favorable to a trial. When he left the ground in a field near Berne today many persons were present to witness the test. Rohrer made his start without mishap and it appeared that he would have no trouble. When the machine reached a height of about 100 feet, however, he lost control of it. The aeroplane turned over and swooped no the earth. Rohrer was caught beneath the wreckage and his skull was crushed by the engine. It is believed that Rohrer’s inexperience was responsible for the accident.