Presented is a large piece of wreckage, approximately 8 x 5.5 x 4.5, from the November 15, 1967, crash of the X-15A-3 that killed pilot Michael Adams. One side has been signed in silver ink by fellow pilot Bill Dana, one of the 12 men who flew the X–15. The piece still bears pencil marks on its inner face from its construction stage and bears a part number. During its flight, the X-15 began a rapid pitching motion of increasing severity while shooting downward at 160,000 feet per minute. As the X-15 neared 65,000 feet, it was speeding downward at Mach 3.93 and broke up into many pieces amid loud sonic rumblings. A tragic reminder of the price paid in the name of science and technology. Pre-certified Scott Cornish and RR Auction COA.
