Will Rogers and Wiley Post

Rogers, one-time cowboy, ex-Broadway star, syndicated columnist and the top cinematic box office draw in the 1930s, was one of the country's best-loved men. Post, who had set two around-the-world flying records was, next to Lindbergh, the most esteemed aviator in America. On August 15, 1935, on a flight to Russia, their plane crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska, and both were killed. The authors ( The Best of Will Rogers ) argue that the tragedy was solely Post's responsibility: his uninspected aircraft was nose-heavy to start and adding pontoons made it more so. Post had little experience flying a plane with pontoons and, in addition, he had ignored the advice of Alaska hands not to fly to Point Barrow in heavy fog. So it was Post's fault, but really, 58 years later, is it of consequence? (Sept.)