Arch Freeman

Archibald A. "Arch" Freeman (c. 1890 – June 27, 1918) was an American pilot during the early years of aviation.

Early life Freeman was born in Flushing, Queens to Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Freeman. His parents did not have a birth certificate issued for Freeman, but according to his widow he was born circa 1890. He attended public schools in Flushing.

Flying

Instruction Freeman attended the Wright Flying School on Long Island, New York, where he was instructed by Arthur L. Welsh. In addition to being Welsh's pupil, Freeman also served as his assistant. He assisted Welsh and did some flying during Robert J. Collier's October 1911 aerial exhibition at his estate outside Wickatunk, New Jersey. Although the field's namesake, Harry Atwood, was the chief instructor, Freeman did most of the flying. His students included Jack McGee, H. Roy Waite, and Ruth Bancroft Law.

On May 25, 1912, Freeman and George C. Parker raced a Boston and Maine train in Lynn, Massachusetts. That afternoon he performed stunts over Revere Beach. During the meet, Atwood was granted permission by the United States Postmaster General's office to operate an airmail route between Lynn and Saugus. Freeman attempted two deliveries. His first fell into the Atlantic Ocean. His second delivery, containing 2,000 letters and postcards, successfully arrived in Lynn Common. Atwood took the school's only plane with him and as a result, the school closed.

In the fall of 1912, Freeman performed at exhibitions in Chicago, Illinois, Newark, Ohio, Suffolk, Virginia, and Louisville, Kentucky.

In December 1912, Freeman married Helen Stevens of Brookline, Massachusetts. Stevens was not a fan of Freeman's flying and asked him to give it up. On February 24, 1913, Freeman announced that he was going to give up flying.

Freeman eventually returned to flying. From 1913 to 1915 he was an instructor at the Wright Company's flight school in Mineola, New York.

After the U.S. entered World War I the Dayton-Wright Company began manufacturing bomber and reconnaissance planes. Freeman was tasked with testing the planes. On June 27, 1918, the engine on Freeman's plane suddenly lost power during takeoff. However, he was able to land the plane. The mechanics went over the engine's fuel system and Freeman attempted another take off. The engine failed again, but Freeman was once again able to land it safely. The engine failed once more on the third takeoff, however a strong wind prevented Freeman from making the 360° turn needed to land the plane and it forcefully struck the ground. Freeman's head hit the instrument panel with such force that the ignition switches dug themselves into his head. He was driven to the nearest hospital where he was declared dead by an emergency room doctor.