In 1903, test pilot Charles Manly made a second attempt at manned flight in
Professor Langley’s heavier-than-air craft. His first attempt in October had
ended in a crash into the Potomac River after a wing apparently clipped the
launcher. The plane was still catapulted, still lacked landing gear, still
had controls only for pitch and yaw, and still had none for roll
[see diagram at left]. During this second attempt, the plane broke apart as it was launched
toward the Potomac. Miraculously, Manly survived once again.
Newspapers took great delight in reporting the failures [right: The New York Times, 10 Dec 1903, page 8], and some Congressmen harshly criticized the project.
The Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, refers to these events in the chapter “We Agnostics” on page 51.
[see diagram at left]. During this second attempt, the plane broke apart as it was launched
toward the Potomac. Miraculously, Manly survived once again.Newspapers took great delight in reporting the failures [right: The New York Times, 10 Dec 1903, page 8], and some Congressmen harshly criticized the project.
The Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, refers to these events in the chapter “We Agnostics” on page 51.
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