The machine failed to fly both times, plunging into the Potomac River after its launch from a houseboat.

Manly was rescued unhurt, although he was briefly trapped underwater after the second test.

[2] In 1919 he was named president of the Society of Automotive Engineers (now SAE International).

The Manly Memorial Medal is an annual award given by SAE for the best paper on aeronautical power plants.

He died at Kew Gardens, Brooklyn, NY on October 16, 1927, leaving two sons, Charles and John.