Sherlock Holmes and the Flying Machine

Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson are called upon to solve two aerial mysteries; the mysterious death of a balloonist, with plenty of oxygen and not a mark on his body, which is normal in appearance, and also the crash on launch of Professor Samuel Langley's Aerodrome flying machine. Its design is perfect, and careful examination of the wreckage reveals nothing amiss. According to well established scientific principles it should have flown, but crashed immediately on launch instead.
Sherlock Holmes investigates, and employing his astonishing powers of observation and logical deduction, solves both mysteries. His knowledge of things aeronautical surprises Watson, who receives lessons regarding lighter and heavier than air flight. Professor Langley believes his steam powered Aerodrome will be first to fly, and "conquer the air" but Holmes favors the Wright brothers.
Langley is very pleased with Sherlock Holmes's findings, and in addition to a generous honorarium, makes Holmes an honorary aviator, with a plaque, aviator's cap and goggles. Sherlock Holmes is amused, and likes the idea of being an aviator. So ends the case of Sherlock Holmes and the Flying Machine. With 4 illustrations, including a historic photograph of the Langley Aerodrome in flight, taken by Alexander Graham Bell.