Michael mangold

Michael Eugene Mangold October 10, — December 6, was an American aviator whose career spanned the United States Air Force , commercial airlines , and aerobatics. His nickname and call sign in the military was "Mongo". Mangold was born in Cincinnati, Ohio , and was the oldest of three children. He moved to California at 3 years old and then to Pennsylvania for his high school years.

Mangold began his aviation career in as a skydiver while attending the United States Air Force Academy. Mangold graduated first in his class in and earned the "Outstanding Graduate" award. Although Mangold was a jet pilot, he continued to enjoy skydiving. He was a member of the U. Parachute Team from to and won multiple national awards as a skydiver.

Michael Eugene Mangold (October

He participated in a record-setting formation skydive in Anapa , Russia in as one of parachutists. Mangold started his competitive aerobatic and air show career in , flying a Super Decathlon. He went on to win medals at the U. National Aerobatic Championship, as well as the L. Paul Soucy Award from the International Aerobatic Club in as the highest-scoring unlimited pilot of the year.

Mangold died on December 6, , in an air crash.