Spouse Helen Fitzpatrick Name Thomas Fitzpatrick | Role Pilot Died 2009 | |
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Known for Two intoxicated flights from New Jersey landing in New York City | ||
Thomas Edward Fitzpatrick (April 24, 1930 – September 14, 2009) nicknamed Tommy Fitz, was an American pilot known for two intoxicated flights where he flew from New Jersey and landed on the streets of New York City.
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Flights
At approximately 3 a.m. on September 30, 1956, Fitzpatrick, while intoxicated, stole a single engine plane from the Teterboro School of Aeronautics in New Jersey and flew without lights or radio before landing on St. Nicholas Avenue near 191st Street in front of a New York City bar where earlier he had been drinking and made an intoxicated barroom bet that he could travel from New Jersey to New York City in 15 minutes. The New York Times called the flight a "feat of aeroneutics" and a "fine landing". For his illegal flight, he was fined $100 after the plane's owner refused to press charges.
On October 4, 1958 just before 1 a.m., Fitzpatrick again intoxicated stole another plane from the same airfield and landed on Amsterdam and 187th street in front of a Yeshiva University building after another bar patron disbelieved his first feat. For his second stolen flight, Judge John A. Mullen sentenced him to six months in prison stating, "Had you been properly jolted then, it’s possible this would not have occurred a second time." Fitzpatick said "it's the lousy drink" that caused him to pull the stunt.
Local resident Jim Clarke believed that Fitzpatrick's goal was to land on the field of George Washington High School. Another resident, Sam Garcia, described how times have changed stating, "if it happened today, they would call him a terrorist, and locked him up and thrown away the key."
Personal life
Fitzpatrick worked as a Steamfitter with Local #638 of New York City for 51 years. He served in the US Marine Corps during World War II fighting on the Pacific theatre. Fitzpatrick was honorably discharged after World War II. He then joined the US Army and served during the Korean War where he received a Purple Heart for his service. He was a member of the Township of Washington Golden Seniors, Our Lady of Good Counsel Men's Group, VFW Post # 6192 of Washington Township and the China-Marines Organization.
Death
Fitzpatrick died of cancer on September 14, 2009 at the age of 79. He is survived by his three sons, Thomas E. Jr, Daniel F., and Stephen P. Fitzpatrick, and his wife of 51 years, Helen (Fratinardo) Fitzpatrick.
Legacy
Fitzpatrick has a mixed drink named after him for his feat called the "Late Night Flight".