First aeroplane flight takes place

On the morning of 17 December 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright succeeded in the world's first powered flight in a heavier-than-air machine under complete control of the pilot. The brothers took turns piloting and monitoring their flying machine at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville piloted the first flight, lasting only twelve seconds. On the fourth and final flight of the day, Wilbur remained airborne for fifty-nine seconds and travelled 852 feet. Click here to read more about the first flight.