Ben T. Epps
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Ben T. Epps (February 20, 1888 –- October 16, 1937), known as "Georgia's First Aviator" was an American aviation pioneer. In 1907, he built a monoplane of his own design, now known as the Epps 1909 Monoplane. This was followed by other original monoplane and biplane designs in 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1916, 1924 and 1930. He died of injuries as a result of an airplane crash. Athens-Ben Epps Airport is named in his honor. In 1989 he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.[1]
BornFebruary 20, 1888
Oconee County, Georgia, U.S.
DiedOctober 16, 1937 (aged 49)
Georgia, U.S.
OccupationsAviator, Aircraft Designer
SpouseOmie Williams
Ben T. Epps | |
|---|---|
Epps c. 1910s | |
| Born | February 20, 1888 Oconee County, Georgia, U.S. |
| Died | October 16, 1937 (aged 49) Georgia, U.S. |
| Occupations | Aviator, Aircraft Designer |
| Spouse | Omie Williams |
Aircraft designs
Between 1907 and 1930, Epps designed and built eight aircraft:
- Epps 1909 Monoplane
- Epps 1909 Monoplane
- Epps 1910 Monoplane
- Epps 1911 Monoplane
- Epps 1912 Monoplane
- Epps 1916 Biplane
- Epps 1924 Monoplane
- Epps 1930 Biplane
Plaque of Epps at the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame
Painting of the Epps family at the Museum of Aviation
