Retired Maj. Gen. William Anders, known for his iconic 'Earthrise' photo taken during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, tragically passed away at the age of 90 in a plane crash off the San Juan Islands in Washington state.
The incident occurred when the plane he was piloting, a Beech A45 airplane, crashed into the waters near Jones Island. The Federal Aviation Association confirmed that Anders was the sole occupant of the aircraft at the time of the crash.
Anders' son, Greg Anders, expressed the family's devastation over the loss of his father, highlighting his exceptional piloting skills and the significant impact of the 'Earthrise' photo on the space program and environmental awareness.
In a 1997 NASA interview, William Anders reflected on the risks involved in the Apollo 8 mission, emphasizing the national and exploratory importance of the endeavor. He described the profound experience of witnessing Earth from space, noting its fragility and beauty against the stark lunar landscape.
The National Transportation Safety Board and FAA have launched investigations into the crash to determine the cause of the tragic incident.
