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Kerns (Thaddeus S.) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10086
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Thaddeus S. Kerns Special Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10086
Physical Description:
0.4 Cubic Feet
One Box
Date (inclusive): 1894-1913
Abstract: Thaddeus Kerns was born in Santa Ana, California on June 5, 1894, and died in a plane crash on July 15, 1913. At a very young
age, he built a full-sized plane with his own hands, with the exception of the engine, based on the Curtiss model. He taught
himself how to fly with determination and courage. He even obtained a patent for a “flexible rib” in 1911, when he was only
17 years old.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Thaddeus Kerns was born in Santa Ana, California on June 5, 1894, and died in a plane crash on July 15, 1913. At a very young
age, he built a full-sized plane with his own hands, with the exception of the engine, based on the Curtiss model. He taught
himself how to fly with determination and courage. He even obtained a patent for a “flexible rib” in 1911, when he was only
17 years old.
Thaddeus Kerns built and flew a glider near his home in Chico, California, in April 1910. By September 1910, Kerns built his
home-made airplane and flew it for the first time on January 10, 1910 at the age of 16, living up to his nickname of “Boy
Aviator.” After that, Kerns accomplished many more exhibition flights around his home in Chico, at a state fair in Kansas,
and was also granted permission by the Postmaster to fly a pouch of mail at the Santa Rosa, California, Driving Park Aviation
Meet on May 17 and 18, 1913.
Thaddeus Kerns died at the young age of 19, when he flew his last flight within 300 yards of his home. At the height of eighty
feet, the lower wing spar of the airplane broke in two, causing the plane to sag and the propeller to ripping through the
canvas, making the plane dive straight down into a grain field and tearing a hole into the soft ground. His mechanic, Arthur
Smith, claimed the plane and the engine were in good condition, and planned to fly with him but instead witnessed the entire
flight and crash. Unfortunately, so did Kerns’ mother who was watching from the porch of their house.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
This Collection contains photocopies of documents and images relating to Kern’s life.
Images from Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157630655733538/
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Home Built Aircraft
Curtiss-Wright Aircraft
Stunt flying
Kerns, Thaddeus S.