Hughes racer destroyed

Air Classics, Oct 2003 by O'Leary, Michael

Crash claims life of pilot Jim Wright

At approximately 6:30 pm, 4 August, the Hughes H-1B racer crashed north of Old Faithful in the Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Pilot/builder James Wright of Cottage Grove, Oregon, died in the accident. The racer was returning from the EAA AirVenture and had refueled at Gillette, Wyoming.

The racer approached from the west at about tree-top level just south of the Midway Geyser Basin parking area, stated officials. The aircraft apparently crashed on the west side of the Firehole River and came to rest on the east side near the main park road which was closed for about five hours after the crash. Several park visitors witnessed the crash and phoned 911.

The racer burst into flames upon impact but the fire was quickly extinguished by park staff. No one on the ground was injured. Debris was strewn throughout the area and the engine and a wing landed in the river. Yellowstone officials said the engine was removed from the river Monday night to prevent further fuel and oil leakage. The NTSB is investigating.