Douglas Corrigan, a 31-year-old aviator, set out from Brooklyn, New York, with the intention of flying to Los Angeles, California, in his modified Curtiss Robin airplane. However, as he took off, he allegedly made a navigation error that led him to fly instead towards Ireland. Despite the supposed navigational blunder, Corrigan successfully landed at Baldonnel Aerodrome near Dublin, creating a sensational story in the process. His unexpected arrival baffled both authorities and the public as he had taken a route that was not only unintended but also highly risky given the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Corrigan became a media sensation, with many dubbing him “Wrong Way Corrigan.” The episode raised questions about the reliability of navigation technology at the time, and whether or not Corrigan had deliberately flown to Ireland, a narrative he enjoyed as it added to his fame.

Following his flight, Corrigan's story became a popular anecdote in American culture, emblematic of the adventurous spirit of the era. His flight demonstrated the growing interest in commercial aviation and the technology that supported it, contributing to a burgeoning love for flying among the average American. In the years that followed, Corrigan faced both admiration and skepticism, with many believing he had more than just a navigational error in his journey. It sparked public discussions about the risks and unpredictability of early aviation.