Crossword Genius

Early airman who became unstuck (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

icarus

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'early airman' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for icarus that I've seen before include "Greek mythical youth who flew too close to the sun" , "who made unwise flight?" , "Unfortunate high-flier in Greek mythology" , "Ill-fated son of Daedalus" , "He died flying" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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