Historical Events tagged with "biplane"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Exploration & Discovery

French Heroes Attempt Non-Stop Transatlantic Flight

May 8th, 1927 97 years ago

Charles Nungesser and François Coli, two French aviators, aimed to complete the first non-stop transatlantic flight from Paris to New York in their biplane, The White Bird. Taking off with great enthusiasm, they sought to win a $25,000 prize offered for this feat and to establish France’s aviation prowess. The public eagerly anticipated their journey, but soon after departure, the two men disappeared without a trace, leading to a lengthy search and numerous theories regarding their fate.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Duigan Pusher Biplane's Maiden Flight

July 16th, 1910 114 years ago

John Robertson Duigan achieved a significant milestone in aviation by successfully flying the Duigan pusher biplane, marking it as the first aircraft constructed in Australia. The flight took place at his family's property in McLeod, Victoria, where he designed and built the aircraft to explore the potential of powered flight. This historic flight not only showcased his ingenuity but also contributed to the early developments of the aviation industry in Australia.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Eugène Lefebvre's Fatal Wright Biplane Crash

September 7th, 1909 115 years ago

Eugène Lefebvre, a pioneer aviator, tragically lost his life while piloting a French-built Wright biplane during a test flight in Juvisy, south of Paris. The aircraft was undergoing testing when a malfunction occurred, leading to a crash that claimed Lefebvre's life. His efforts to improve aviation during this nascent era were met with peril, and this incident marked a poignant moment in the history of flight, highlighting the dangers faced by early aviators in their quest for advancement.

Continue Reading