Historical Events tagged with "de havilland"

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.

Accidents & Tragedies

De Havilland Otter Air Taxi Crash in Alaska

July 7th, 2013 11 years ago

A De Havilland Otter air taxi crashed near Soldotna, Alaska, killing ten passengers aboard. The aircraft, operated by a local air taxi service, was returning from a fishing trip when it encountered difficulties during takeoff. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane struggle shortly after leaving the water. Rescue efforts were immediately initiated, but all ten individuals on board were confirmed deceased following the accident. This incident raised safety concerns regarding air travel in the region and reminded many of the challenges in navigating the Alaskan wilderness.

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Accidents & Tragedies

BOAC Flight 781 Crash Over Tyrrhenian Sea

January 10th, 1954 71 years ago

BOAC Flight 781, a de Havilland DH.106 Comet 1, exploded mid-air over the Tyrrhenian Sea, resulting in the deaths of all 35 individuals on board. The flight was en route from Rome to London when it encountered trouble shortly after takeoff. Eyewitness reports and subsequent investigations pointed towards a possible technical malfunction contributing to the disaster.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First Jetliner Flight with Fare-Paying Passengers

May 2nd, 1952 72 years ago

The De Havilland Comet made aviation history by carrying fare-paying passengers on a commercial flight from London to Johannesburg. This revolutionary flight marked a significant turning point in air travel, introducing the era of jet-powered commercial aviation. The Comet, known for its advanced technology and speed, showcased the potential for long-distance air travel and opened new routes for international travel. This flight represented a leap in aviation engineering and passenger comfort, setting the stage for the future of airlines.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First Flight of de Havilland Comet Airliner

July 27th, 1949 75 years ago

The de Havilland Comet, the world's first jet-powered airliner, completed its initial flight, taking off from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, England. This significant milestone for commercial aviation showcased the advancements in jet propulsion technology. The Comet, designed by de Havilland, was equipped with four Ghost turbojet engines, enabling it to fly faster and higher than previous aircraft. The test flight demonstrated not only the aircraft's capabilities but also the future of air travel, paving the way for the jet age.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Tata Airlines launches first flight

October 15th, 1932 92 years ago

Tata Airlines, later known as Air India, conducted its inaugural flight, marking a significant advancement in India's civil aviation sector. The flight, from Karachi to Mumbai, was conducted using a single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth aircraft, showcasing Tata's commitment to connecting major cities across India. With its launch, Tata Airlines aimed to improve air travel for both cargo and passenger services, setting the stage for the future of aviation in the country.

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Military & Warfare

First Mid-Air Refueling Achieved

August 23rd, 1923 101 years ago

Captain Lowell Smith and Lieutenant John P. Richter successfully completed the first mid-air refueling operation in a De Havilland DH-4B aircraft, which allowed them to set a new endurance flight record lasting 37 hours. The operation was a groundbreaking achievement in military aviation and expanded the possibilities for long-distance flight without landing for fuel, showcasing advancements in technology and strategy.

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