Thursday, September 7, 1922, was Governor’s Day at the Rutland Fair. To celebrate the event, Lieutenant Belvin Maynard performed air stunts in his plane.

Maynard was a noted stunt and competition pilot. The previous year, he had won the Atlantic to Pacific air race, and was now part of Trombley’s Flying Circus.

Maynard performed numerous tricks, while an enthralled audience watched. He was accompanied by Lieutentant Norman Wood and mechanic Louis Bayette of Shoreham.

Maynard began his final stunt, a nosedive from 800 feet in the air. Maynard didn’t pull up in time, killing all three men.

Historic image courtesy North Carolina State Archives.