Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame
Enshrined 2005
The father of aircraft crashworthiness analysis and investigation, Dr. James Turnbow began developing his specialty while serving in the ordinance department of the United States Army during World War II. There he was charged with the task of developing ways to airdrop larger loads of food, supplies, trucks, tanks, and equipment without destroying most or all of the payloads. He learned to counteract the crash forces by creating cushioning solutions that could absorb the energy of a violent impact.
His engineering skills later assisted in the development of some key aircraft components. This body of work is now known as the U.S. Government’s five-volume, Aircraft Crash Survival Guide and is the world’s primary reference on this subject. An Accomplished aviator in both gliders and general aviation aircraft, Doc was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Creating unlimited horizons in aerospace education through the preservation and presentation of the history of flight.
Charity EIN: 86-6031135
Copyright ©
Website by CS Design Studios
Contact Info
6000 E Valencia Rd, Tucson, AZ 85756
Operating Hours:
Open 9 AM – 3 PM Daily
Last Admittance at 1:30 PM