File / wright-first-flight

One Minute Before the First Powered Flight

Wind 27 mph out of the north. The Flyer is on its rail. Orville has just won a coin toss with Wilbur for the first attempt. Five witnesses from the nearby life-saving station stand watching, hands in pockets.

Date
17 December 1903
Time
10:35 local
Location
Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, NC
Duration
3 min
Release the Rail
Perspectives available
Orville Wright (Pilot)Wilbur WrightJohn T. Daniels (Witness/Photographer)
People in the room
Orville Wright
Pilot
Wilbur Wright
Engineer
John T. Daniels
Lifesaver, camera operator
Sources
  • Wright brothers diaries
  • Daniels affidavit
  • Smithsonian technical files