Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Killed in Plane Crash
On June 7, 2024, William Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut renowned for capturing the iconic Earthrise photograph, died in a plane crash in Washington’s San Juan Islands. He was 90 years old.
Anders, piloting his vintage Air Force T-34 Mentor, crashed between Orcas and Jones islands around 11:45 a.m. The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard responded to the incident, confirming the sole occupant’s identity as Anders.
His son, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders, expressed the family’s devastation, noting, “He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly.”
Anders’ tragic end brings into focus a remarkable life that began on October 17, 1933, in Hong Kong. Growing up in San Diego, he pursued an exceptional education, graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1955 and earning a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1962.
His thirst for knowledge culminated with the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program in 1979, laying a strong foundation for his future achievements.
This robust educational background was pivotal when Anders joined NASA in 1964. Selected as one of only 14 astronauts from thousands of applicants, he focused on dosimetry, radiation effects, and environmental control.
His expertise and dedication led to his role as the lunar module pilot for Apollo 8 in 1968, alongside Commander Frank Borman and Command Module Pilot James Lovell. This mission marked humanity’s first venture into lunar orbit, a milestone in space exploration.
The Apollo 8 mission, however, is most famously remembered for Anders’ “Earthrise” photograph, a groundbreaking image of Earth rising over the lunar horizon. This first color image of Earth from space had a profound impact, sparking global environmental awareness and highlighting the planet’s fragility. Anders’ contribution transcended scientific exploration, influencing how humanity viewed its home planet.
After his groundbreaking spaceflight, Anders’ contributions continued back on Earth. Retiring from the Air Force Reserves in 1988, he took on the role of chairman and CEO of General Dynamics Corporation, serving until 1994. In 1993, he and his wife Valerie moved to Orcas Island, where they founded the Anders Foundation, supporting educational and environmental initiatives. Their establishment of the Heritage Flight Museum in 1996 showcased Anders’ enduring passion for aviation.
Reflecting on his space experiences, Anders often spoke about the profound impact of viewing Earth from lunar orbit. This perspective reinforced his commitment to environmental stewardship. “To see this very delicate, colorful orb coming up over this very stark, ugly lunar landscape really contrasted,” he remarked, emphasizing the Earth’s beauty and vulnerability. This deep sense of responsibility drove his post-NASA endeavors.
The fatal plane crash, now under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration, marks a poignant end to a life dedicated to exploration and service.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson commemorated Anders, stating, “In 1968, during Apollo 8, Bill Anders offered to humanity among the deepest of gifts an astronaut can give. He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves. He embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. We will miss him.”