Bill Bennett, an Australian hang-gliding pioneer who helped popularize the sport in the U.S., died on Oct. 7 in Arizona at age 73, it was reported this week. Bennett was taking off with an instructor in a trike — a powered ultralight with a hang-glider-like wing and weight-shift control — at Lake Havasu Airport when the power failed and the aircraft crashed. The instructor, Drew Reeves, was also hurt. Bennet’s company, Delta Wing Kites and Gliders, was among the first hang glider manufacturers in the U.S. The company helped develop the basic design of modern hang-gliders, added features such as emergency chutes and Mylar-coated sail cloth, and improved handling and performance. Bennett captured attention for his sport by breaking various records, launching from a hot-air balloon, and flying around the Statue of Liberty on Independence Day in 1969.
Bill Bennett, Hang-gliding Pioneer, Died In Crash
Key Takeaways:
- Bill Bennett, a 73-year-old Australian hang-gliding pioneer, died in a trike crash during takeoff at Lake Havasu Airport due to power failure.
- Bennett was instrumental in popularizing the sport in the U.S. and co-founded Delta Wing Kites and Gliders, one of the first hang glider manufacturers.
- His company made significant advancements in hang glider design, including safety features like emergency chutes and improved materials and performance.
- He captured public attention for hang gliding through record-breaking feats, such as launching from a hot-air balloon and flying around the Statue of Liberty.
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