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Michael Tyner Alsbury 1975 - 2014

Michael Tyner Alsbury of California United States was born on March 19, 1975 in Santa Clara, Santa Clara County, and died at age 39 years old on October 31, 2014 at Mojave Desert.

Michael Tyner Alsbury

Santa Clara, CA, USA in California United States

March 19, 1975

Santa Clara, Santa Clara County, California, United States

October 31, 2014

Mojave Desert in California, 92332, United States

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Michael Tyner Alsbury Michael Alsbury (1975 - 2014)

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Michael Tyner Alsbury's History: 1975 - 2014

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Introduction

Michael Tyner Alsbury was born on March 19, 1975, in Santa Clara to Linda and Rich Alsbury. He spent his formative years in Scotts Valley graduated as the valedictorian from Soquel High School in 1993. Following his passion for aeronautics, Mike pursued a degree in Aeronautical Engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Throughout his life, Mike's fascination with airplanes and flying had deep roots, beginning in his early childhood. His dedication to aviation led him to acquire his pilot's license at the age of 23 and achieve numerous other pilot ratings. In 1998, right after college, Mike embarked on his engineering career at Scaled Composites. His brilliance and professionalism quickly earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues. In 2001, Alsbury joined Scaled Composites, where he assumed roles as both a project engineer and a pilot. Notably, in April 2013, he served as the copilot alongside Mark Stucky during the momentous first powered flight for VSS Enterprise and SpaceShipTwo. Tragically, on October 31, 2014, while test flying the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo, VSS Enterprise, with Peter Siebold, the spacecraft suffered a catastrophic failure mid-flight, resulting in a total loss of the VSS Enterprise, which crashed in the California Mojave Desert. Despite his bravery, Mike was unable to exit the spacecraft, and his remains were found still strapped to his seat in the fuselage. Beyond aviation, Mike had a diverse set of interests. He enjoyed fly fishing and was an ardent supporter of the San Francisco Giants. Nature held a special place in his heart, and he loved activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking, and mountain biking. Additionally, he cherished family adventures and traveling together. Michael Alsbury will be remembered not only for his remarkable contributions to aeronautical engineering but also for his adventurous spirit, love for family, and dedication to the pursuit of his dreams.
03/19

1975

Birthday

March 19, 1975

Birthdate

Santa Clara, Santa Clara County, California United States

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Mike was born to Linda and Rich Alsbury on March 19, 1975 in Santa Clara, California, United States.
Nationality & Locations

Mike was born and raised in Santa Clara, California. He grew up in Scotts Valley and lived in San Luis Obispo, CA while attending college. In the 2000's he resided in Tehachapi, California, USA until his passing in 2014.
Early Life & Education

Michael graduated as a valedictorian from Soquel High School in 1993. He then went on to attend and graduate from California Polytechnic State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. In college, Michael married the love of his life, Michelle Saling in August of 2003. He later joined Scaled Composites in 2001 as a project engineer and pilot.
Professional Career

Alsbury joined Scaled Composites in 2001 and began working as a project engineer and pilot. In April 2013, he served as copilot to Mark Stucky on the first powered flight for VSS Enterprise and SpaceShipTwo. At the time of his death, he had 1800 flight hours, 1600 of them as a test pilot and engineer with Scaled Composites. In 2013, he received the Ray E. Tenhoff Award for the most outstanding technical paper at the Society of Experimental Test Pilots symposium along with Mark Stucky and Clint Nichols. On October 31, 2014, Alsbury was test flying the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo, VSS Enterprise with Peter Siebold. The craft broke up in-flight, resulting in a total loss of VSS Enterprise, which crashed in the California Mojave Desert. Alsbury was unable to exit the spacecraft, and his remains were found still strapped to his seat in the fuselage. The pilot, Peter Siebold, survived. It was the ninth time that Alsbury had flown aboard the aircraft.
Personal Life & Family

Mike was the son of Richard T. Alsbury & Linda K. Alsbury currently residing in Scott's Valley CA. Michael was born in Santa Clara, California, but grew up in Scotts Valley, California, graduating from Soquel High School as a valedictorian in 1993. He was an Eagle Scout, and also played soccer at a young age. Alsbury was a flying enthusiast since childhood, achieving his pilot's license at the age of 23. He graduated from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Immediately out of college, Alsbury began work at Scaled Composites. He was married to Michelle Saling, whom he had met at Cal Poly, for 12 years and had two children, aged 7 and 10 at the time of his death, living in Tehachapi.Some of his other pastimes included fly fishing and supporting the San Francisco Giants. Mike’s love of planes and flying began in childhood. He got his pilot’s license at the age of 23, followed by numerous other pilot ratings. Mike loved to fly. He was a brilliant engineer & started working at Scaled Composites right out of college in 1998. Mike was indeed a class act and well-respected colleague. Mike was an avid fly fisherman and San Francisco Giants fan. He enjoyed hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, and traveling with his family. He was an Eagle Scout and also played soccer from a young age. Above all things, Mike loved his family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, and son. He was a kid at heart and will be remembered for his endless energy, easy smile, great sense of humor, and generosity.
10/31

2014

Death

October 31, 2014

Death date

He died in the crash of SpaceShipTwo near the Mojave airport.

Cause of death

Mojave Desert in California 92332, United States
Death location

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12 Memories, Stories & Photos about Michael

Michael Alsbury

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04/11/2024

Michael Alsbury family records collection

Michael Bruce Alsbury family records collection

Date & Place: 2023 in British Columbia Canada

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James Alsbury, 1967-1870 Midlothian, Scotland address directory

Michael Alsbury

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03/30/2024

James Alsbury, 1967-1870 Midlothian, Scotland address directory

1967-1870 Edinburgh Scotland Listings for James Alsbury home address: #2 Starbank Rd Leith, Scotland. Work address: Alliance Marine Assurance #43 Constitution St. Leith, Scotland

Date & Place: 1870 in Leith, Edinburgh County, Scotland United Kingdom

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