Originally published in 1999
Donald Engen, 75, director of the National Air and Space Museum, a former administrator in the Federal Aviation Administration and general aviation supporter died July 13 in the crash of a power glider. The crash occurred five miles east of Minden-Tahoe Airport in Nevada. The Schempp-Hirth Nimbus glider apparently broke up while flying at 11,000 feet.
Also killed in the accident was William Ivans, 79, a former president of the Soaring Society of America and a world-renowned glider pilot.
Engen served as FAA administrator for nearly four years in the Reagan administration, and as general manager of Piper Aircraft in the late 1970s. He later became president of AOPA Air Safety Foundation, the safety and education arm of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.
A World War II navy aviation hero and winner of the Distinguished Service Medal and Navy Cross, Engen reached the rank of Vice Admiral.
His highest priority at NASM had been to raise funds and guide planning for an annex to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport.
Engen and Ivans were long-time friends. Engen was godfather to one of Ivans’ sons, and the men flew together frequently.
A pilot for 57 years, Engen had in excess of 7,500 flight hours in more than 260 types of aircraft. He had single- and multiengine land ratings, commercial and instrument tickets. His , wife, Mary, four adult children and seven grandchildren survive him.
