What was the date of the first fatality in naval aviation?

The first fatality in naval aviation is recorded as occurring on June 20, 1913. This event involved a naval aviator named Ensign William D. McDonald, who tragically lost his life when his aircraft crashed during a flight test. This date is significant in the history of naval aviation as it marks an early acknowledgment of the risks associated with flight operations, particularly in a nascent field like aviation, where safety protocols were still being developed.

Later dates listed do correspond to notable events in naval aviation history but do not represent the first fatality. The understanding of this tragic incident serves as a crucial point in the development of aviation safety protocols that would evolve over time in the military maritime environment.