Historical Events tagged with "flight"

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

Alitalia Flight Crashes into Shannon Cemetery

February 26th, 1960 65 years ago

An Alitalia airliner bound for New York crashed shortly after takeoff from Shannon, Ireland. The accident resulted in the deaths of 34 of the 52 individuals aboard the flight. The plane, experiencing technical failures, lost altitude and struck a nearby cemetery, causing significant damage to both the aircraft and the site. The crash raised concerns about air safety and led to investigations into aviation regulations.

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Accidents & Tragedies

TWA Flight 903 crashes in Egypt

August 31st, 1950 74 years ago

TWA Flight 903, a Lockheed Constellation, crashed near Itay El Barud, Egypt, resulting in the death of all 55 people on board. The flight was en route from Cairo to New York City, and it lost contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff. Witnesses reported seeing an explosion in the air before the aircraft fell to the ground.

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Military & Warfare

First Flight of the Grumman F6F Hellcat

June 26th, 1942 82 years ago

The Grumman F6F Hellcat, a carrier-based fighter aircraft, made its inaugural flight on June 26, 1942, showcasing its advanced design and capabilities. Developed by the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, the F6F was intended to address the urgent need for a more effective naval fighter during World War II. The flight took place at the Grumman Facility in Bethpage, New York, where the aircraft's performance would soon begin to influence naval aviation. With its powerful engine and tactical innovations, the Hellcat would quickly become a critical asset for the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the battles to come.

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Science & Technology

Igor Sikorsky's First Single-Rotor Helicopter Flight

May 24th, 1940 84 years ago

Igor Sikorsky successfully flew the first single-rotor helicopter, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. This innovative flight showcased Sikorsky's engineering prowess and dedication to rotary-wing flight. The test occurred in Connecticut, where the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300 prototype demonstrated the viability of the single-rotor configuration, which became essential for future helicopter designs.

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Exploration & Discovery

Douglas Corrigan's Infamous Flight to Ireland

July 17th, 1938 86 years ago

Douglas Corrigan took off from Brooklyn, intending to fly to California. Due to reported navigation issues, he instead made his way to Ireland, becoming known for his unplanned transatlantic flight. His actions sparked widespread media attention and interest in aviation.

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Science & Technology

Engelbert Zaschka's Human-Powered Flight

July 11th, 1934 90 years ago

Engelbert Zaschka of Germany successfully flew his large human-powered aircraft, known as the Zaschka Human-Power Aircraft, for about 20 meters at Berlin Tempelhof Airport without any assistance for take-off. This remarkable feat showcased the potential of human-powered aviation at a time when such technology was still in its infancy. Zaschka's design emphasized aerodynamics and lightweight construction, illustrating the innovative spirit of the era and the early exploration in human flight using muscle power.

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Exploration & Discovery

Wiley Post Completes Historic Solo Flight

July 22nd, 1933 91 years ago

Aviator Wiley Post successfully completed the world's first solo flight around the globe, landing at Floyd Bennett Field in New York City after an adventurous journey lasting seven days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes. His flight covered over 15,000 miles, demonstrating remarkable piloting skill and determination. The accomplishment not only captured public imagination but also showcased the advancements in aviation technology and navigation skills. All eyes were on him as he emerged from the cockpit, having made numerous stops during his round-the-world journey.

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Exploration & Discovery

First Flight Over Mount Everest

April 3rd, 1933 91 years ago

The British Houston-Mount Everest Flight Expedition, led by the Marquis of Clydesdale and funded by Lucy, Lady Houston, completed a landmark flight over Mount Everest. Pilots included Flight Lieutenant H. H. H. G. L. C. H. Houston and Flying Officer M. C. Smith who flew a modified Westland PV-3 biplane. The flight's objective was to conduct aerial surveys of Everest and contribute to the understanding of the mountain's geography.

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Exploration & Discovery

Amelia Earhart's Solo Atlantic Flight Achievement

May 21st, 1932 92 years ago

Amelia Earhart landed in a pasture in Derry, Northern Ireland, after encountering severe weather during her historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. This remarkable achievement made her the first woman to fly alone across this vast expanse, demonstrating her extraordinary skill and determination as a pilot. Despite the challenges she faced, including strong winds and low visibility, Earhart successfully completed her journey, which began in Newfoundland, Canada, showcasing the possibilities for women in aviation.

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