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Flyer on the Big Kill Devil Hill, Wright Brothers National Memorial, 1903.

The first flight took place on December 17, 1903 even though Wilbur and Orville tried to fly a few days earlier on the 14th. However, the wind was calm and the brothers knew they would never get off of the ground. So, they decided to try using Kill Devil Hill instead. With the help of members from the nearby US Life-Saving Station, Orville and Wilbur dragged their 750-pound flyer over the sand and up the hillside (see picture). Once in position on the hill, the brothers actually flipped a coin to see who would pilot first. Wilbur won the coin toss. Unfortunately for Wilbur, he gave the flyer too much uplift, stalling the machine and crashing. Part of the front rudder broke in the crash and required a few days to repair. This is why on the 17th it was Orville's turn to pilot the flyer. He was successful and became the first pilot!

U.S. National Park Service

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Wright Brothers National Memorial, Code: WRBR

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Title: Wright Brothers National Memorial
URL: https://www.facebook.com/WrightBrothersNMem

20141214

12/14/1903

Organization: Wright Brothers National Memorial
Role: image
Address: 1401 National Park Drive, Manteo, NC 27954

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