The first manned flight in history: December 17, 1903. At 10.35 a.m.
Orville Wright takes off into 27 mile per hour winds and flew 120 feet. Time aloft was 12 seconds. The picture was taken by John T. Daniels, it was the first picture he had ever taken and it is in almost every school history book world wide.
When the plane was carried back to the track they attempted the next flight, it was very similar to the first. Twenty minutes later the third flight took place. After taking off a gust of wind flipped the plane to the right at a very sharp bank. Orville warped the wings and regained level flight. This attempt lasted 15 seconds and covered 200 feet. Wilbur started the fourth and last flight at 12:00 p.m. It covered 852 feet and lasted 59 seconds. When it crashed the frame was damaged but could be repaired. While everyone was talking about the flights, a sudden gust of wind hit the plane. Wilbur grabbed the front and John Daniels and Orville grabbed the back. Orville and Wilbur realized that it was out of control and let go, but John Daniels held on. The plane turned end over end John was stuck between the engine and the vertical supports. He was stuck in the airplane. Finally it came to a stop about 100 feet away, the plane was severely damaged, John had some bruises and broken ribs but was fine otherwise. Later that week he told the newspaper that he piloted the fifth flight.
…
