However, this aircraft is best-known for it's tragic role in the only fatal accident of the X-15.  On the program's 191st flight, Air Force pilot Major Michael Adams, returning from his astronaut-status qualifying flight, entered into a spin at 230,000 feet.  The pilot lost control of the aircraft and was incapacitated, disabling his ability to eject.  Descending at a speed of 160,000 per minute, the aircraft broken apart, destroying it and killing the pilot. 

Ingredient

Meaning

Amount

Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

The X-15, being constructed of the highly-heat resistant material, Inconel-X, was primarily black in color.

1 oz.

Skyy Vodka

The X-15A-3 set most of the records of the X-15 program.

1/2 oz.

Triple Sec

The X-15A-3 was the third aircraft of the X-15 program.

3/4 oz.

Sweet & Sour mix

The event went from a sweet occasion to a sour event.   The pilot achieved astronaut status, but died within minutes of his accomplishment.

Splash

7-up

The fatal crash was the pilot's 7th flight in the X-15.

Splash