WASHINGTON -- Donald D. Engen, director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, was killed last night in a glider accident in Minden, Nevada. Witnesses said the glider broke apart in the air then crashed, according to reports by the Associated Press. In addition to Engen, William Ivans, who was in control of the craft at the time of the incident, was also killed.

Engen was appointed director of the space museum in July, 1996.

Prior to his appointment he held the Dewitt Ramsey Chair for Naval Aviation History at the museum. In September 1996 he completed chairing a Blue Ribbon Panel on Aviation Safety in the U.S. Air Force for the services Chief of Staff.

Engen was also appointed administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. Prior to the appointment Engen was a member of the National Transportation Safety Board.

He is best known as a Naval Aviator, entering service as a Seaman Second Class in 1942 and retiring in 1978 as a Vice Admiral.

He received 29 decorations during his career, including the Navy Cross, the Navys highest award for valor. He had been a licensed pilot for nearly a half century, and had piloted over 260 types of aircraft. Engen, a California native, was 75 and was married with four children.