Retired Maj. Gen. William Anders, an Apollo 8 astronaut known for taking the iconic “Earthrise” photo, tragically died last month while piloting a plane near Orcas Island in Washington state. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released a preliminary report stating that Anders had texted a friend about doing a flyby near her house, which ultimately led to the deadly accident. Witnesses reported seeing Anders’ Beech A45 airplane heading south over the water before going into a steep dive, with the right wingtip ultimately striking the water. Anders’ body was recovered, and most of the wreckage has been retrieved for further examination.
Anders’ plane was based out of Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington, where his son worked at a museum facility founded by him. On the day of the crash, Anders was reported to be in good spirits before embarking on a flight around the San Juan Island archipelago. He had planned to fly over his previous home on Orcas Island. Anders was a celebrated pilot and astronaut, known for his role in the Apollo 8 mission, where he and his crewmates became the first three people to travel to the moon. He also has a crater on the moon named in his honor, “The Anders Crater.” His son, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders, expressed his sorrow over the loss of his father, describing him as a great pilot who will be greatly missed.
During the Christmas Eve 1968 telecast, the Apollo 8 crew, including William Anders, read verses from the first chapter of Genesis and wished viewers a Merry Christmas. It was on this mission that Anders captured the famous “Earthrise” photo, showing the Earth rising above the lunar horizon. This image became an iconic symbol of human exploration and our place in the universe. Anders’ legacy as an astronaut and photographer has left a lasting impact on the space community and the world.
The NTSB’s preliminary report on the accident cited witness accounts of the moments leading up to the crash, with only two people coming forward to provide information. One witness saw the plane in a steep dive before it hit the water, while another filmed the descent on his phone. The wreckage was found about 1,700 feet west of the plane’s last radar target in 30 feet of water. The NTSB is continuing its investigation into the cause of the crash, with plans to further examine the recovered wreckage.
The tragic death of William Anders sent shockwaves through the aerospace community, as many mourned the loss of a pioneer in space exploration. Anders’ contributions to the Apollo program and his iconic photographs have solidified his place in history as one of the first astronauts to travel to the moon. His passing serves as a reminder of the risks involved in aviation and space travel, even for experienced pilots and astronauts. The legacy of William Anders will live on through his groundbreaking achievements and the impact he had on our understanding of the universe.
In conclusion, the untimely death of William Anders during a routine flight near Orcas Island has left a void in the aerospace community. As a celebrated astronaut, pilot, and photographer, Anders’ legacy will continue to inspire future generations to explore the cosmos. The NTSB’s ongoing investigation into the cause of the crash will hopefully shed light on the circumstances that led to the tragic accident. Despite the loss, William Anders’ contributions to space exploration and his enduring impact on humanity’s understanding of the universe will forever be remembered.
