The Wright brothers spent four seasons attempting flight in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The final season of 1903 was filled with trials and tribulations over construction of “The Wright Flyer,” so, a majority of flight attempts were glides on the 1902 model. After almost two months at the camp (September to November), the brothers completed the flying machine and began testing the engine and propellers’ functions (Kirk, 1995). To their frustration, the first engine caused vibrations and bent the propeller shaft, and the brothers were forced to ship the pieces to Charlie Taylor in Ohio for repair. After the arrival of the repaired parts and tweaking the flyer, another engine test cracked a propeller shaft (Baker, 1994). This time Orville took the damaged pieces back to Ohio and converted the shafts to heavier steel. After The Wright brothers’ arrival to Kill Devil Hill on September 25th, they did not attempt an actual powered flight until December 14th (Kirk, 1995). Three months of delays, frustrations, and waiting would result in the brothers’ groundbreaking triumph.
On December 17 in 1903, a dream became reality when Orville Wright flew “The Wright Flyer” for 12 seconds maintaining a height of 20 feet above ground and traveling 120 feet (EyeWitness to History, 2003). Orville had performed “The world’s first manned, sustainable, controlled, powered flight in a heavier-than-air machine” (Baker, 1994, p. 23). Three other successful powered flights took place at the controls of both brothers. Wilbur piloted the final run and traveled over 825 feet in less than a minute (EyeWitness to History, 2003). While the men were discussing their achievements; “The Wright Flyer” was turned over by a sudden gust of wind and carried down the beach. The Wright brothers and their associates chased after the machine, but there was no hope and the “The Flyer” was completely damaged (Kirk, 1995). Nonetheless, telegrams were sent to the family back in Dayton sharing the wonderful news, and the Wright Brother’s departed from Kitty Hawk the next day. This final season culminated in the brothers’ longest stay on the North Carolina coast and made world history.
On December 17 in 1903, a dream became reality when Orville Wright flew “The Wright Flyer” for 12 seconds maintaining a height of 20 feet above ground and traveling 120 feet (EyeWitness to History, 2003). Orville had performed “The world’s first manned, sustainable, controlled, powered flight in a heavier-than-air machine” (Baker, 1994, p. 23). Three other successful powered flights took place at the controls of both brothers. Wilbur piloted the final run and traveled over 825 feet in less than a minute (EyeWitness to History, 2003). While the men were discussing their achievements; “The Wright Flyer” was turned over by a sudden gust of wind and carried down the beach. The Wright brothers and their associates chased after the machine, but there was no hope and the “The Flyer” was completely damaged (Kirk, 1995). Nonetheless, telegrams were sent to the family back in Dayton sharing the wonderful news, and the Wright Brother’s departed from Kitty Hawk the next day. This final season culminated in the brothers’ longest stay on the North Carolina coast and made world history.