Steven Appleton Micron CEO Dies in Plane Crash
February 3rd 2012, Steven R. Appleton, CEO of the microchip maker Micron, died after his small, experimental Lancair plane crashed in Boise Idaho, he was the only passenger. He was 51.
Steve Appleton Killed in plane Crash
Tech Giant Micron Technology, Inc., is one of the world’s leading providers of advanced semiconductor solutions.
Appleton, shown here with President Barack Obama, was a former motocross racer, professional stunt plane pilot, and nationally ranked tennis player.
Steven Appleton Dead in Plane Crash
Appleton started his career at Micron shortly after graduation in 1983 – working the night shift in production. He held a variety of positions in the company and worked his way up to the top.
At age 34 he was the third youngest CEO in the Fortune 500.
Steve Appleton Dies
He was CEO and Chairman of the Board in 1994, til his death.
The plane he died in was a Lancair plane. The Lancair is built from kits, and others like it have design characteristics that allow the planes to fly much faster than most small planes.
In 2010, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety advisory to pilots because the planes are prone to stalling during slow-speed operations close to the ground.
An FAA analysis found that the planes have experienced fatal accident rates substantially higher than other similar air craft.
Appleton leaves behind his wife Dalynn and their children.