"Mysteries at the Museum" Reach for the Skies: Special

1 00:00:02,050 --> 00:00:04,220 A recordbreaking marathon flight. 2 00:00:04,320 --> 00:00:07,620 They were determined that nothing was gonna stop them. 3 00:00:07,730 --> 00:00:11,430 The amazing tale of the first female aviator. 4 00:00:11,530 --> 00:00:14,260 It was possible she would end up over the open water, 5 00:00:14,370 --> 00:00:16,500 which would be a death sentence. 6 00:00:16,600 --> 00:00:19,440 And the daredevil duo who soared over adversity. 7 00:00:19,540 --> 00:00:21,810 There was simply too much at stake 8 00:00:21,910 --> 00:00:23,640 for them to fail. 9 00:00:23,740 --> 00:00:26,010 These are the mysteries at the museum. 10 00:00:31,320 --> 00:00:33,720 San Diego, California, is home 11 00:00:33,820 --> 00:00:37,120 to one of the largest wooden buildings in the United States, 12 00:00:37,220 --> 00:00:39,360 the Hotel del Coronado. 13 00:00:39,460 --> 00:00:43,760 It opened in 1888 as the biggest hotel resort in the world 14 00:00:43,860 --> 00:00:45,760 and went on to serve as the setting 15 00:00:45,860 --> 00:00:49,230 for the classic 1959 Marilyn Monroe film 16 00:00:49,330 --> 00:00:51,200 "Some Like It Hot." 17 00:00:51,300 --> 00:00:53,370 But stars of a very different nature 18 00:00:53,470 --> 00:00:54,940 are celebrated nearby 19 00:00:55,040 --> 00:00:57,340 at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. 20 00:01:00,980 --> 00:01:05,450 The collection includes a racing plane from 1932, 21 00:01:05,550 --> 00:01:09,450 one of the first commercial aircraft from 1928, 22 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:11,490 and the Apollo 9 command module 23 00:01:11,590 --> 00:01:14,120 used on the 1969 mission. 24 00:01:17,430 --> 00:01:19,660 But among these majestic flying machines 25 00:01:19,770 --> 00:01:22,570 is one tiny, unremarkable scrap. 26 00:01:22,670 --> 00:01:25,540 BOEHM: The item is 2 inches wide and 5 inches long. 27 00:01:25,640 --> 00:01:27,740 The fabric is kind of like a cotton muslin, 28 00:01:27,840 --> 00:01:31,740 but it's reinforced with a heavy silver paint. 29 00:01:31,840 --> 00:01:33,510 This object is well worn 30 00:01:33,610 --> 00:01:36,350 from its around-the-world voyages through the sky. 31 00:01:39,820 --> 00:01:44,450 WILDMAN: This small piece of material was part of a revolutionary aircraft 32 00:01:44,560 --> 00:01:47,420 that faced disaster on its maiden voyage. 33 00:01:47,530 --> 00:01:49,490 BOEHM: This is a story of a dream machine 34 00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:52,160 and how it changed travel around the world. 35 00:01:55,530 --> 00:01:57,400 WILDMAN: It's the 1920s. 36 00:01:57,500 --> 00:02:00,300 Transatlantic tourism is experiencing a boom 37 00:02:00,410 --> 00:02:02,170 with ever larger passenger ships 38 00:02:02,270 --> 00:02:04,940 making the crossing from Europe to America. 39 00:02:05,040 --> 00:02:07,110 BOEHM: Airplanes of the day, they really weren't able to make 40 00:02:07,210 --> 00:02:09,510 those transoceanic voyages yet. 41 00:02:09,620 --> 00:02:12,080 At the time, ocean liners were your really only choice 42 00:02:12,180 --> 00:02:14,020 for intercontinental travel. 43 00:02:16,720 --> 00:02:19,790 WILDMAN: But despite their popularity, these hulking behemoths 44 00:02:19,890 --> 00:02:22,190 are still relatively slow-moving. 45 00:02:22,290 --> 00:02:26,030 From England to New York City can take 5 days. 46 00:02:26,130 --> 00:02:29,700 But one man has a plan to change all that, 47 00:02:29,800 --> 00:02:33,770 56-year-old aviation engineer Dr. Hugo Eckener. 48 00:02:33,870 --> 00:02:35,910 BOEHM: Hugo Eckener was business-savvy. 49 00:02:36,010 --> 00:02:38,580 He was innovative, and he was determined. 50 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:41,440 WILDMAN: Eckener believes that the future of transatlantic travel 51 00:02:41,550 --> 00:02:45,080 lies not on the ocean but in the sky 52 00:02:45,180 --> 00:02:48,690 with airships. 53 00:02:48,790 --> 00:02:52,020 Airships are enormous oval-shaped crafts 54 00:02:52,120 --> 00:02:53,760 comprised of a metal frame 55 00:02:53,860 --> 00:02:56,960 and fabric compartments filled with hydrogen. 56 00:02:57,060 --> 00:02:59,260 Multiple engines propel the craft, 57 00:02:59,360 --> 00:03:03,370 while rudder-like fins steer and stabilize the ship. 58 00:03:03,470 --> 00:03:05,470 Attached to the bottom is a gondola, 59 00:03:05,570 --> 00:03:09,210 which holds cabins, dining areas, and the captain's deck. 60 00:03:09,310 --> 00:03:12,640 BOEHM: During World War I, airships were used for observation 61 00:03:12,740 --> 00:03:14,040 and for bombing. 62 00:03:14,150 --> 00:03:15,280 WILDMAN: But for Eckener, 63 00:03:15,380 --> 00:03:18,550 the zeppelin represents the future of travel. 64 00:03:18,650 --> 00:03:21,480 Hugo Eckener had this vision of crossing the oceans, 65 00:03:21,590 --> 00:03:24,690 continent to continent, through the air in safety. 66 00:03:24,790 --> 00:03:27,590 The airship could have brought about a faster 67 00:03:27,690 --> 00:03:29,290 and much more scenic way of travel. 68 00:03:31,930 --> 00:03:33,630 WILDMAN: So in 1928, 69 00:03:33,730 --> 00:03:36,570 construction begins on Eckener's dream machine, 70 00:03:36,670 --> 00:03:38,800 and within the year, he is ready to reveal 71 00:03:38,900 --> 00:03:40,770 the completed aircraft. 72 00:03:40,870 --> 00:03:43,310 Its name? Graf Zeppelin. 73 00:03:43,410 --> 00:03:46,540 The airship was large, almost two football fields long. 74 00:03:49,510 --> 00:03:51,680 WILDMAN: And just like the opulent ocean liners 75 00:03:51,780 --> 00:03:53,680 that Eckener hopes to compete with, 76 00:03:53,790 --> 00:03:57,120 the Graf Zeppelin is extravagant in the extreme. 77 00:03:57,220 --> 00:03:59,660 BOEHM: The Graf Zeppelin was like a cruise ship in the sky. 78 00:03:59,760 --> 00:04:00,820 For the passengers, 79 00:04:00,930 --> 00:04:03,060 it was a really unique way to see the world. 80 00:04:03,160 --> 00:04:05,700 The interiors were fully appointed with luxuries. 81 00:04:05,800 --> 00:04:09,300 There were sleeping cabins, full kitchens, dining rooms. 82 00:04:09,400 --> 00:04:11,700 They had a lot of comfort built in. 83 00:04:14,640 --> 00:04:18,680 WILDMAN: On October 11, 1928, the Graf Zeppelin sets sail 84 00:04:18,780 --> 00:04:23,050 on its maiden voyage from Germany to New Jersey 85 00:04:23,150 --> 00:04:24,610 with Eckener at the helm 86 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:26,620 and 20 eager passengers. 87 00:04:26,720 --> 00:04:29,020 BOEHM: Eckener must have been full with pride, 88 00:04:29,120 --> 00:04:32,490 seeing his dream machine finally able to take flight, 89 00:04:32,590 --> 00:04:34,820 in front of crowds of people, no less. 90 00:04:34,930 --> 00:04:36,230 WILDMAN: For three days, 91 00:04:36,330 --> 00:04:39,130 the airship sails smoothly across the Atlantic. 92 00:04:39,230 --> 00:04:43,100 But then it hits stormy weather. 93 00:04:43,200 --> 00:04:46,540 At 8:25 in the morning on October 13th, 94 00:04:46,640 --> 00:04:50,170 the crew hears a thunderous tearing noise, 95 00:04:50,280 --> 00:04:54,740 and the nose of the Graf Zeppelin pitches up violently. 96 00:04:54,850 --> 00:04:56,850 BOEHM: Eckener would not have panicked at this point, 97 00:04:56,950 --> 00:04:59,080 but he would have taken control of the airship 98 00:04:59,180 --> 00:05:02,750 and got it back on an even keel. 99 00:05:02,850 --> 00:05:05,920 WILDMAN: But Eckener finds that a huge fin on the rear of the craft 100 00:05:06,020 --> 00:05:10,160 that is essential for steering has also been severely damaged. 101 00:05:10,260 --> 00:05:13,100 BOEHM: A large piece of fabric was ripped away from the fin, 102 00:05:13,200 --> 00:05:15,470 causing drag on the back. 103 00:05:15,570 --> 00:05:18,940 There was a chance that the entire fin could be ripped off, 104 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:23,270 and then the ship would crash into the ocean. 105 00:05:23,380 --> 00:05:26,340 WILDMAN: Repairing the airship mid-flight will take courage, 106 00:05:26,450 --> 00:05:28,340 strength, and nerves of steel. 107 00:05:28,450 --> 00:05:30,550 BOEHM: To repair the damage, volunteers are going 108 00:05:30,650 --> 00:05:32,580 to have to go outside the airship 109 00:05:32,680 --> 00:05:35,690 onto that 75-foot-long fin 110 00:05:35,790 --> 00:05:37,090 over a raging sea. 111 00:05:37,190 --> 00:05:38,690 It's absolutely crazy, 112 00:05:38,790 --> 00:05:40,820 but these repairs were essential. 113 00:05:43,730 --> 00:05:45,460 WILDMAN: Eckener puts the matter to his crew 114 00:05:45,560 --> 00:05:49,130 and asks for volunteers for this dangerous mission. 115 00:05:49,230 --> 00:05:53,670 Four men come forward, among them his own son. 116 00:05:53,770 --> 00:05:57,370 Clinging to the metal frame, they climb out into the gale 117 00:05:57,480 --> 00:05:59,440 and begin the painstaking job 118 00:05:59,540 --> 00:06:01,910 of repairing the gigantic fin. 119 00:06:02,010 --> 00:06:03,850 They actually have to sew it back down 120 00:06:03,950 --> 00:06:07,380 and use blankets to fill in the empty spots. 121 00:06:07,490 --> 00:06:09,890 WILDMAN: Finally, after almost 2 hours, 122 00:06:09,990 --> 00:06:12,860 the men complete the job and return to the cabin. 123 00:06:17,030 --> 00:06:18,860 BOEHM: Eckener must have been quite relieved. 124 00:06:18,960 --> 00:06:21,160 Now they can continue their journey. 125 00:06:21,270 --> 00:06:23,870 WILDMAN: On October 15, 1928, 126 00:06:23,970 --> 00:06:26,700 the Graf Zeppelin lands in New Jersey, 127 00:06:26,810 --> 00:06:30,340 completing its first nonstop transatlantic passenger flight 128 00:06:30,440 --> 00:06:33,340 of more than 6,000 miles. 129 00:06:33,450 --> 00:06:34,980 BOEHM: Eckener must have been full of pride. 130 00:06:35,080 --> 00:06:37,050 His dream was finally realized. 131 00:06:37,150 --> 00:06:39,680 He had made it to America with the Graf Zeppelin. 132 00:06:42,420 --> 00:06:43,990 WILDMAN: In its 12-year career, 133 00:06:44,090 --> 00:06:47,320 the airship goes on to cover 1 million miles, 134 00:06:47,430 --> 00:06:51,490 making just under 600 successful flights. 135 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:54,760 And today this small piece of fabric from the Graf Zeppelin 136 00:06:54,870 --> 00:06:58,670 is on display at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. 137 00:06:58,770 --> 00:07:02,640 It stands as a testament to one man who rose to the challenge 138 00:07:02,740 --> 00:07:05,540 and made his lofty dreams a reality. 139 00:07:09,080 --> 00:07:11,410 Named for the seventh president of the United States, 140 00:07:11,520 --> 00:07:14,420 Andrew Jackson, the city of Jackson, Mississippi, 141 00:07:14,520 --> 00:07:17,050 was virtually demolished by a Union siege 142 00:07:17,160 --> 00:07:19,420 during the Civil War. 143 00:07:19,520 --> 00:07:23,330 And nowhere is this tumultuous past better preserved 144 00:07:23,430 --> 00:07:26,230 than at the Old Capital Museum. 145 00:07:28,270 --> 00:07:30,970 On display are Civil War weapons and uniforms, 146 00:07:31,070 --> 00:07:33,600 a replica of the governor's office, 147 00:07:33,710 --> 00:07:36,570 and the actual chamber where state officials voted 148 00:07:36,680 --> 00:07:39,680 to secede from the Union in 1860. 149 00:07:39,780 --> 00:07:43,010 But amidst these reminders of the 19th century 150 00:07:43,110 --> 00:07:46,120 is a brittle object from a more modern era. 151 00:07:46,220 --> 00:07:48,590 The artifact is 152 00:07:48,690 --> 00:07:51,960 about seven inches in diameter, about a half-inch thick. 153 00:07:52,060 --> 00:07:54,220 When you open it, it has a metal reel 154 00:07:54,330 --> 00:07:57,130 with the word "Flight" written on it. 155 00:07:57,230 --> 00:07:59,960 WILDMAN: This delicate film offers a window 156 00:08:00,070 --> 00:08:02,330 into one of the most spectacular stunts 157 00:08:02,430 --> 00:08:04,600 in Mississippi history. 158 00:08:04,700 --> 00:08:07,240 The events documented on this film are of a feat 159 00:08:07,340 --> 00:08:11,070 that has actually revolutionized the aviation industry. 160 00:08:11,180 --> 00:08:13,980 WILDMAN: What high-flying exploit 161 00:08:14,080 --> 00:08:16,110 is depicted on this film? 162 00:08:16,210 --> 00:08:19,150 And how did it transform flight forever? 163 00:08:21,250 --> 00:08:23,990 Meridian, Mississippi, 1934. 164 00:08:24,090 --> 00:08:26,960 Thirty-year-old Al Key and his 26-year-old 165 00:08:27,060 --> 00:08:29,390 brother, Fred, are living their dream, 166 00:08:29,490 --> 00:08:32,300 co-managing the town's municipal airport. 167 00:08:32,400 --> 00:08:35,060 TISDALE: Al and Fred Key were local boys. 168 00:08:35,170 --> 00:08:37,700 They had a passion for aviation. 169 00:08:37,800 --> 00:08:40,300 WILDMAN: Licensed pilots themselves, 170 00:08:40,410 --> 00:08:42,610 they also earned money entertaining crowds 171 00:08:42,710 --> 00:08:45,140 as high-flying barnstormers. 172 00:08:45,240 --> 00:08:48,810 But the brothers' fortunes are about to change. 173 00:08:48,910 --> 00:08:51,980 The effects of the Great Depression have reached Meridian, 174 00:08:52,080 --> 00:08:55,390 and the small municipality finds itself broke. 175 00:08:55,490 --> 00:08:59,190 Meridian city leaders were looking for ways to cut costs. 176 00:08:59,290 --> 00:09:02,160 WILDMAN: They set their sights on what they determine to be 177 00:09:02,260 --> 00:09:04,930 a modern and frivolous venture. 178 00:09:05,030 --> 00:09:07,960 TISDALE: The logical choice was this very new, 179 00:09:08,070 --> 00:09:10,770 very expensive airport. 180 00:09:10,870 --> 00:09:14,070 WILDMAN: Al and Fred Key are crushed. 181 00:09:14,170 --> 00:09:16,570 TISDALE: For the airport to shut down... 182 00:09:16,680 --> 00:09:19,040 they would lose everything. 183 00:09:19,140 --> 00:09:21,510 WILDMAN: The brothers realize that to save the airfield, 184 00:09:21,610 --> 00:09:25,050 they must rally public support against its closure. 185 00:09:25,150 --> 00:09:27,650 So they devise a PR stunt 186 00:09:27,750 --> 00:09:29,920 around the thing they love best-- 187 00:09:30,020 --> 00:09:32,160 flying. 188 00:09:32,260 --> 00:09:34,790 TISDALE: They want to stay in the air longer than anybody else 189 00:09:34,890 --> 00:09:37,230 has ever stayed in the air. 190 00:09:37,330 --> 00:09:39,730 WILDMAN: To beat the existing record, the brothers must 191 00:09:39,830 --> 00:09:43,330 eat and sleep in the air for more than 23 days. 192 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:47,240 They begin preparations by modifying 193 00:09:47,340 --> 00:09:51,240 a Curtiss Robin monoplane they christen Ole Miss. 194 00:09:51,340 --> 00:09:54,840 But their biggest concern is refueling midair. 195 00:09:54,950 --> 00:09:58,650 The plan is for a support plane 196 00:09:58,750 --> 00:10:01,520 to lower a fuel line to the brothers below, 197 00:10:01,620 --> 00:10:04,950 who will catch it and then carefully refill the Ole Miss. 198 00:10:05,060 --> 00:10:08,260 But this process is fraught with danger. 199 00:10:08,360 --> 00:10:11,860 TISDALE: If any of the fuel touches 200 00:10:11,960 --> 00:10:14,200 any of the hot airplane parts, 201 00:10:14,300 --> 00:10:16,400 there's the chance of explosion. 202 00:10:16,500 --> 00:10:19,100 WILDMAN: Then a colleague approaches the brothers 203 00:10:19,200 --> 00:10:21,640 with what he thinks is the perfect solution. 204 00:10:21,740 --> 00:10:24,570 TISDALE: Their machinist friend fabricates a nozzle 205 00:10:24,680 --> 00:10:27,240 that, when dislodged from the gas tank, 206 00:10:27,350 --> 00:10:29,750 will automatically shut off. 207 00:10:29,850 --> 00:10:32,920 WILDMAN: Now the stage is set for the Key brothers' epic stunt. 208 00:10:35,820 --> 00:10:38,190 And on June 21st, 1934, 209 00:10:38,290 --> 00:10:40,620 in front of an excited crowd of 10,000, 210 00:10:40,730 --> 00:10:43,230 Al and Fred take to the sky. 211 00:10:45,300 --> 00:10:47,630 After just a few hours of circling overhead, 212 00:10:47,730 --> 00:10:50,300 they make their first refueling attempt. 213 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:53,340 The moment of truth -- Is this really gonna work? 214 00:10:55,540 --> 00:10:58,440 Fred grabs the hose, he puts it in... 215 00:10:58,540 --> 00:11:01,780 WILDMAN: The Keys hold their breath as the hose is removed, 216 00:11:01,880 --> 00:11:05,010 and, as designed, the nozzle shuts off. 217 00:11:05,120 --> 00:11:07,320 Everything goes off without a hitch. 218 00:11:07,420 --> 00:11:10,290 WILDMAN: The relieved brothers settle into a routine, 219 00:11:10,390 --> 00:11:12,690 circling above Meridian, 220 00:11:12,790 --> 00:11:15,830 but then, on Day 5, disaster strikes. 221 00:11:15,930 --> 00:11:19,660 Fred's doing his repairs, and then he notices a spark. 222 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:23,470 WILDMAN: The brothers discover they've been given the wrong octane rating, 223 00:11:23,570 --> 00:11:26,140 and the engine is overheating. 224 00:11:26,240 --> 00:11:30,140 They're forced to land the plane far short of the record. 225 00:11:30,240 --> 00:11:32,780 TISDALE: They were devastated. 226 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:35,850 They could not believe that they had finally gotten to this point 227 00:11:35,950 --> 00:11:39,050 only for it to just come crumbling down. 228 00:11:39,150 --> 00:11:42,520 WILDMAN: So will the Key brothers' plan for saving their airport 229 00:11:42,620 --> 00:11:44,450 go up in smoke? 230 00:11:47,860 --> 00:11:50,890 It's 1935 in Meridian, Mississippi. 231 00:11:51,000 --> 00:11:54,000 To spare their airfield from closure, 232 00:11:54,100 --> 00:11:57,630 two brothers, Al and Fred Key, are attempting to break 233 00:11:57,740 --> 00:12:00,440 the flight endurance record by staying aloft 234 00:12:00,510 --> 00:12:02,640 for more than 23 days. 235 00:12:02,740 --> 00:12:04,770 To date, their high-flying efforts 236 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:06,910 have all ended in failure. 237 00:12:07,010 --> 00:12:08,740 So what will it take for these siblings 238 00:12:08,850 --> 00:12:11,850 to finally make history and save their airfield? 239 00:12:13,620 --> 00:12:16,520 The determined brothers aren't ready to give up yet. 240 00:12:16,620 --> 00:12:19,720 So, in June of 1935, 241 00:12:19,820 --> 00:12:23,060 with little fanfare, they take to the skies again. 242 00:12:23,130 --> 00:12:26,430 They were determined that nothing was gonna stop them. 243 00:12:26,530 --> 00:12:30,400 WILDMAN: For three grueling weeks, they circle above Meridian, 244 00:12:30,500 --> 00:12:33,570 reigniting public fascination with their quest, 245 00:12:33,670 --> 00:12:36,410 but suddenly, the brothers encounter 246 00:12:36,510 --> 00:12:39,140 an entirely new crisis. 247 00:12:39,240 --> 00:12:42,080 Al happened to have an abscessed tooth while he was in the air. 248 00:12:42,180 --> 00:12:45,650 WILDMAN: The pain becomes unbearable, 249 00:12:45,750 --> 00:12:48,680 and it is clear that Al needs medical attention, 250 00:12:48,790 --> 00:12:51,690 but before beginning the descent, Al wonders 251 00:12:51,790 --> 00:12:54,820 if there's a way to treat himself. 252 00:12:54,930 --> 00:12:58,060 They radio down, and a local dentist was able to coach him. 253 00:12:58,160 --> 00:13:01,260 They sent a supply bucket up. 254 00:13:01,370 --> 00:13:03,930 They were able to put in a syringe, 255 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:06,540 and it had medication in it, 256 00:13:06,640 --> 00:13:09,440 and he was able to lance the tooth himself, in flight. 257 00:13:09,540 --> 00:13:13,080 WILDMAN: Al manages to carry on, 258 00:13:13,180 --> 00:13:16,080 and the brothers inch closer to their goal, 259 00:13:16,180 --> 00:13:19,520 and, on June 27th, they make history. 260 00:13:19,620 --> 00:13:22,790 In 3:13 in the afternoon, they break the record 261 00:13:22,890 --> 00:13:25,390 of 23 days in the air. 262 00:13:25,490 --> 00:13:29,230 WILDMAN: Footage of the stunt, now in canisters at the Old Capital Museum, 263 00:13:29,330 --> 00:13:31,960 is seen on newsreels around the world. 264 00:13:32,060 --> 00:13:34,730 To further solidify their record, 265 00:13:34,830 --> 00:13:37,900 the brothers stay aloft for another four days 266 00:13:38,000 --> 00:13:41,200 and finally land on July 1st. 267 00:13:41,310 --> 00:13:44,510 TISDALE: The Key brothers were in the air for over 27 days. 268 00:13:44,610 --> 00:13:47,610 That's the equivalent of flying twice around the world. 269 00:13:50,350 --> 00:13:52,480 WILDMAN: Thanks to the international publicity, 270 00:13:52,580 --> 00:13:54,480 officials decide to keep the airport open 271 00:13:54,590 --> 00:13:57,150 and rename it Key Field, 272 00:13:57,260 --> 00:14:00,090 and the legacy of the flight lives on. 273 00:14:00,190 --> 00:14:02,990 The refueling nozzle first used by the Key brothers 274 00:14:03,090 --> 00:14:06,860 becomes the industry standard for the entire U.S. military. 275 00:14:06,970 --> 00:14:10,870 And today, at the Old Capital Museum, 276 00:14:10,970 --> 00:14:13,570 this canister of film is a testament 277 00:14:13,670 --> 00:14:15,640 to a record-breaking flight 278 00:14:15,740 --> 00:14:18,010 that changed the face of aviation. 279 00:14:22,150 --> 00:14:24,010 Garden City, New York. 280 00:14:24,120 --> 00:14:27,350 This quaint Long Island village was the taking-off point 281 00:14:27,450 --> 00:14:29,820 for Charles Lindbergh on his historic flight 282 00:14:29,920 --> 00:14:31,620 across the Atlantic. 283 00:14:33,360 --> 00:14:35,890 Today, the town is home to an institution 284 00:14:35,990 --> 00:14:38,830 that honors that high-flying spirit -- 285 00:14:38,930 --> 00:14:41,460 the Cradle of Aviation Museum. 286 00:14:43,800 --> 00:14:45,170 Its massive collection 287 00:14:45,270 --> 00:14:50,140 includes a lunar module designed for the Apollo 18 mission, 288 00:14:50,240 --> 00:14:54,640 a 1951 Fairchild Guided Missile, 289 00:14:54,750 --> 00:14:59,420 and a World War II-era P-47 Thunderbolt. 290 00:14:59,520 --> 00:15:01,180 But one aircraft here 291 00:15:01,290 --> 00:15:04,450 dates back to the very dawn of human flight. 292 00:15:04,560 --> 00:15:06,290 FIJOL: It's over a century old, 293 00:15:06,390 --> 00:15:10,030 nearly 28 feet in width and 26 feet long. 294 00:15:10,130 --> 00:15:12,460 It weighs over 600 pounds. 295 00:15:12,560 --> 00:15:14,700 It has three wheels and one propeller. 296 00:15:14,800 --> 00:15:17,730 And its top speed is just 45 miles an hour. 297 00:15:20,470 --> 00:15:24,040 WILDMAN: An aircraft like this one was flown by a bold aviator 298 00:15:24,110 --> 00:15:28,480 who proved that women could soar just as high as men. 299 00:15:28,580 --> 00:15:30,180 This was a huge breakthrough. 300 00:15:30,280 --> 00:15:33,150 This was really the beginning of women in flight. 301 00:15:39,060 --> 00:15:42,060 WILDMAN: 1910 -- New York. 302 00:15:42,160 --> 00:15:43,230 In the years since 303 00:15:43,330 --> 00:15:45,090 the Wright Brothers first took flight, 304 00:15:45,200 --> 00:15:49,130 the world of aviation has grown by leaps and bounds. 305 00:15:49,230 --> 00:15:52,640 But the field is utterly dominated by men. 306 00:15:52,740 --> 00:15:54,940 Aviation was really a masculine field. 307 00:15:55,040 --> 00:15:58,270 Orville and Wilbur Wright were against women flying. 308 00:16:00,780 --> 00:16:03,180 WILDMAN: But one woman is determined 309 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:05,210 to break through that barrier -- 310 00:16:05,320 --> 00:16:09,150 36-year-old reporter Harriet Quimby. 311 00:16:09,250 --> 00:16:11,150 FIJOL: Harriet was this very bold woman 312 00:16:11,260 --> 00:16:14,590 who wasn't afraid to break boundaries, to test limits. 313 00:16:14,690 --> 00:16:17,360 WILDMAN: Using her journalistic connections, 314 00:16:17,460 --> 00:16:21,960 she secures a place at a flying school. 315 00:16:22,070 --> 00:16:24,830 And after a grueling 3-month training course, 316 00:16:24,940 --> 00:16:26,740 she finally makes history. 317 00:16:26,840 --> 00:16:30,940 She becomes the first licensed female pilot in America. 318 00:16:34,280 --> 00:16:35,910 WILDMAN: But despite her achievement, 319 00:16:36,010 --> 00:16:39,250 Quimby doesn't get the recognition she desires. 320 00:16:41,150 --> 00:16:44,090 So she decides to do something that will really capture 321 00:16:44,190 --> 00:16:46,260 the public's imagination -- 322 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:48,120 She'll become the first woman 323 00:16:48,230 --> 00:16:50,860 to fly across the English Channel. 324 00:16:50,960 --> 00:16:54,460 It's a treacherous undertaking. 325 00:16:54,570 --> 00:16:57,570 The flight itself had a lot of peril to it. 326 00:16:57,670 --> 00:16:59,000 The weather was very tricky. 327 00:16:59,100 --> 00:17:01,970 It was not uncommon for crashes and pilot deaths 328 00:17:02,070 --> 00:17:03,370 regularly to occur. 329 00:17:03,470 --> 00:17:06,380 The flight had only been completed by one male pilot 330 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:07,740 so far. 331 00:17:07,850 --> 00:17:11,110 WILDMAN: Yet Quimby is determined to beat the odds. 332 00:17:11,220 --> 00:17:13,080 So in March 1912, 333 00:17:13,180 --> 00:17:17,120 the young flier sails to Europe to realize her dream. 334 00:17:18,360 --> 00:17:21,320 She acquires a Blériot XI airplane, 335 00:17:21,430 --> 00:17:23,060 the same model on display 336 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:25,630 at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. 337 00:17:27,770 --> 00:17:30,000 And on the clear morning of April 16th, 338 00:17:30,100 --> 00:17:34,600 Harriet climbs into the plane's cockpit. 339 00:17:34,710 --> 00:17:40,340 Moments later, she lifts off and rises to 6,000 feet. 340 00:17:40,440 --> 00:17:41,740 For the first few minutes, 341 00:17:41,850 --> 00:17:45,650 the flight goes exactly according to plan. 342 00:17:45,750 --> 00:17:50,520 But the blue sky soon gives way to dense clouds. 343 00:17:50,620 --> 00:17:54,620 The fog is so thick she can't see anything. 344 00:17:54,730 --> 00:17:58,890 WILDMAN: The pilot knows she can't afford to get lost. 345 00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:00,460 If she runs out of fuel, 346 00:18:00,570 --> 00:18:03,100 the plane will plunge into the sea. 347 00:18:03,200 --> 00:18:05,800 FIJOL: If she even deviated from planned course 348 00:18:05,900 --> 00:18:07,800 even by just as little as 5 miles, 349 00:18:07,910 --> 00:18:10,240 it was possible she would end up over the open water 350 00:18:10,340 --> 00:18:11,670 of the North Atlantic, 351 00:18:11,780 --> 00:18:14,210 which would be a death sentence. 352 00:18:16,510 --> 00:18:17,910 WILDMAN: Quimby decides to descend 353 00:18:18,020 --> 00:18:21,780 in hopes of better visibility at a lower altitude. 354 00:18:23,820 --> 00:18:25,860 But as she dips the plane's nose, 355 00:18:25,960 --> 00:18:28,720 the aircraft's engine 356 00:18:28,830 --> 00:18:31,790 suddenly cuts out. 357 00:18:31,900 --> 00:18:33,500 This was her greatest fear. 358 00:18:34,770 --> 00:18:37,530 WILDMAN: The plane starts to plummet towards the open ocean. 359 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:40,140 So is this the final flight 360 00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:42,840 for America's first female aviator? 361 00:18:47,080 --> 00:18:48,810 It's 1912. 362 00:18:48,910 --> 00:18:51,780 36-year-old aviator, Harriet Quimby, 363 00:18:51,880 --> 00:18:54,750 is on a historic mission to become the first woman 364 00:18:54,850 --> 00:18:57,620 to fly across the English Channel, 365 00:18:57,720 --> 00:18:59,720 but as she reaches the halfway point, 366 00:18:59,820 --> 00:19:01,990 her engine cuts out, and she plummets 367 00:19:02,090 --> 00:19:04,360 toward the ocean, so is this the end 368 00:19:04,460 --> 00:19:06,730 for the fledgling flier? 369 00:19:06,830 --> 00:19:08,970 Just when it seems all is lost, 370 00:19:09,070 --> 00:19:11,270 Quimby hears a relieving sound. 371 00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:16,470 The engine rumbles back to life. 372 00:19:16,570 --> 00:19:20,210 The pilot steadies the aircraft. 373 00:19:20,310 --> 00:19:23,180 And as she focuses on the horizon, 374 00:19:23,280 --> 00:19:27,120 she spots a welcome sight. 375 00:19:27,220 --> 00:19:30,290 FIJOL: She is greeted by the glorious vision of the French coast. 376 00:19:30,390 --> 00:19:32,660 So she can see her goal in sight. 377 00:19:34,230 --> 00:19:35,830 WILDMAN: An ecstatic Quimby 378 00:19:35,930 --> 00:19:39,500 touches down on an empty stretch of French shoreline. 379 00:19:39,600 --> 00:19:42,130 Harriet is the first woman to fly across the English Channel. 380 00:19:43,470 --> 00:19:46,340 WILDMAN: The brave aviator becomes a star. 381 00:19:46,440 --> 00:19:48,200 FIJOL: America fell in love with her. 382 00:19:48,310 --> 00:19:50,910 And she earned herself the nickname the "Bird Girl". 383 00:19:53,910 --> 00:19:56,550 WILDMAN: Sadly, her glory days are short-lived. 384 00:19:57,820 --> 00:20:00,820 Just 3 months later, while performing at an air show, 385 00:20:00,920 --> 00:20:02,820 Quimby's plane malfunctions, 386 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:06,860 and she's killed in the resulting crash. 387 00:20:06,960 --> 00:20:10,490 But her contribution to aviation lives on. 388 00:20:12,300 --> 00:20:15,060 FIJOL: Amelia Earhart credited Harriet Quimby 389 00:20:15,170 --> 00:20:17,000 with paving a path for her. 390 00:20:17,100 --> 00:20:18,700 Harriet Quimby wasn't afraid to show 391 00:20:18,800 --> 00:20:21,500 that women could not only achieve what men achieve, 392 00:20:21,610 --> 00:20:23,340 but they could do it better. 393 00:20:26,410 --> 00:20:29,280 WILDMAN: Today, this Blériot XI hangs inside 394 00:20:29,380 --> 00:20:32,050 Long Island's Cradle of Aviation Museum. 395 00:20:32,150 --> 00:20:34,650 It recalls a history-making adventure 396 00:20:34,750 --> 00:20:39,590 and the high-flying courage of America's first female aviator. 397 00:20:42,290 --> 00:20:45,060 Wenatchee Valley, Washington. 398 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:48,600 More than 1 billion apples are harvested here each year 399 00:20:48,700 --> 00:20:50,700 and it's this agricultural accomplishment 400 00:20:50,800 --> 00:20:53,040 that's earned the region a fitting nickname: 401 00:20:53,140 --> 00:20:55,670 the Apple Capital of the World. 402 00:20:55,770 --> 00:20:59,440 But those looking to experience another slice of local life 403 00:20:59,540 --> 00:21:04,050 can head to the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center. 404 00:21:06,050 --> 00:21:09,920 On display are 10,000-year-old rock carvings, 405 00:21:10,020 --> 00:21:13,220 a Native American necklace made from horse teeth, 406 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:18,190 and a 1920s pipe organ from a local theater. 407 00:21:18,300 --> 00:21:20,030 But among these regional relics 408 00:21:20,130 --> 00:21:22,870 is an item that had global impact. 409 00:21:22,970 --> 00:21:24,330 DERNER: It's made of aluminum 410 00:21:24,440 --> 00:21:28,000 and it's 102 inches long and 9 inches wide. 411 00:21:28,110 --> 00:21:30,010 It has two blades and one of them is bent 412 00:21:30,110 --> 00:21:32,480 at about 45 degrees, as though it's been exposed 413 00:21:32,580 --> 00:21:36,110 to some sort of trauma. 414 00:21:36,210 --> 00:21:40,750 WILDMAN: This battered propeller recalls a daring aerial adventure 415 00:21:40,850 --> 00:21:43,120 that changed the history of flight forever. 416 00:21:43,220 --> 00:21:44,490 This is the story of one man's quest 417 00:21:44,590 --> 00:21:46,460 to take aviation to new heights. 418 00:21:46,560 --> 00:21:49,160 [ Suspenseful music climbs ] 419 00:21:52,030 --> 00:21:54,100 WILDMAN: It's 1929. 420 00:21:54,200 --> 00:21:56,770 35-year-old pilot Clyde Pangborn 421 00:21:56,870 --> 00:21:59,540 performs death-defying aeronautical stunts 422 00:21:59,640 --> 00:22:02,040 for audiences across the United States. 423 00:22:02,140 --> 00:22:05,510 His dauntless exploits have even earned him the nickname 424 00:22:05,610 --> 00:22:08,080 Upside-Down Pangborn. 425 00:22:08,180 --> 00:22:09,980 Clyde Pangborn definitely was an adrenaline junkie. 426 00:22:10,080 --> 00:22:12,150 Pretty much any kind of stunt that people were doing 427 00:22:12,250 --> 00:22:14,680 back then, he was doing all of them. 428 00:22:14,790 --> 00:22:17,390 WILDMAN: The fearless pilot is on top of the world 429 00:22:17,490 --> 00:22:21,760 and is handsomely paid for the risks he takes. 430 00:22:21,860 --> 00:22:26,230 But, on October 24th, his fortunes take a nose dive. 431 00:22:26,330 --> 00:22:28,530 [Melancholy tune plays] The stock market crashes 432 00:22:28,630 --> 00:22:31,370 and, as the nation sinks into the Great Depression, 433 00:22:31,470 --> 00:22:33,140 audiences can no longer afford 434 00:22:33,240 --> 00:22:35,640 to see stunt shows like Pangborn's. 435 00:22:35,740 --> 00:22:37,140 A lot of people didn't have money to spend 436 00:22:37,240 --> 00:22:39,380 on that type of entertainment. 437 00:22:39,480 --> 00:22:43,050 WILDMAN: Pangborn's high-flying career is suddenly grounded. 438 00:22:43,150 --> 00:22:45,450 If he can't find a new way to make money, 439 00:22:45,550 --> 00:22:47,880 this former flying ace will soon join 440 00:22:47,990 --> 00:22:52,190 his fellow Americans on the bread lines. 441 00:22:52,290 --> 00:22:56,890 Then in 1931, he learns about an incredible opportunity. 442 00:22:56,990 --> 00:23:00,000 A Japanese newspaper is sponsoring a contest, 443 00:23:00,100 --> 00:23:03,270 the likes of which the world has never seen. 444 00:23:03,370 --> 00:23:06,600 They're offering $25,000 to the first pilot 445 00:23:06,700 --> 00:23:10,110 who can fly nonstop across the Pacific Ocean. 446 00:23:10,210 --> 00:23:12,480 It's a record that hasn't been broken. 447 00:23:12,580 --> 00:23:15,580 WILDMAN: The prize is enough to keep Pangborn flush with cash 448 00:23:15,680 --> 00:23:17,350 for years to come. 449 00:23:17,450 --> 00:23:18,910 [ Suspenseful music climbs, chord strikes ] 450 00:23:19,020 --> 00:23:21,620 But earning it won't be easy. 451 00:23:21,720 --> 00:23:25,320 The 5,000-mile route will take him from the coast of Japan 452 00:23:25,420 --> 00:23:27,990 to the shores of Washington State. 453 00:23:28,090 --> 00:23:30,660 Pangborn calculates that, to complete the journey, 454 00:23:30,760 --> 00:23:34,030 he will need nearly 1,000 gallons of fuel. 455 00:23:34,130 --> 00:23:36,930 But all that gas will make the plane too heavy 456 00:23:37,030 --> 00:23:38,300 to complete the journey. 457 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:40,670 Pangborn realized that the weight of the fuel 458 00:23:40,770 --> 00:23:45,570 would really inhibit the aircraft's ability to fly. 459 00:23:45,680 --> 00:23:48,310 WILDMAN: So, to accommodate the weight of the fuel, 460 00:23:48,410 --> 00:23:52,850 Pangborn strips the aircraft of any heavy, nonessential items. 461 00:23:52,950 --> 00:23:54,350 He gets rid of its radios, 462 00:23:54,450 --> 00:23:57,150 life preservers, and seat cushions. 463 00:23:57,260 --> 00:24:01,020 But it's not enough. His plane is still too heavy. 464 00:24:01,130 --> 00:24:03,330 As he looks for more ways to lighten the load, 465 00:24:03,430 --> 00:24:05,960 Pangborn realizes there's one set of items 466 00:24:06,060 --> 00:24:08,030 that really weighed his plane down 467 00:24:08,130 --> 00:24:10,970 and served no purpose during flight: 468 00:24:11,070 --> 00:24:14,240 the landing gear. 469 00:24:14,340 --> 00:24:16,140 Without the wheels and heavy struts 470 00:24:16,240 --> 00:24:18,010 that connect to the fuselage, 471 00:24:18,110 --> 00:24:21,480 the plane should be light enough to go the distance. 472 00:24:21,580 --> 00:24:24,280 So he fashions a special set of landing gear 473 00:24:24,380 --> 00:24:27,280 that can detach from the plane mid flight. 474 00:24:27,390 --> 00:24:29,890 All he has to do is pull a cable after takeoff 475 00:24:29,990 --> 00:24:32,690 to ditch the bulky equipment. 476 00:24:32,790 --> 00:24:35,120 Then, when he reaches his destination, 477 00:24:35,230 --> 00:24:37,660 he'll use his skills as a stunt pilot 478 00:24:37,760 --> 00:24:39,130 to safely land the plane, 479 00:24:39,230 --> 00:24:40,860 by gently sliding the aircraft 480 00:24:40,970 --> 00:24:43,670 down the runway on its belly. 481 00:24:43,770 --> 00:24:46,100 Pangborn is a wonderful aviator, but he's also gotta be 482 00:24:46,200 --> 00:24:48,900 a little crazy, in order to do something like this. 483 00:24:50,680 --> 00:24:52,210 [ Suspenseful music plays ] 484 00:24:52,310 --> 00:24:55,780 WILDMAN: On October 4th, at Japan's Sabishiro Beach, 485 00:24:55,880 --> 00:24:59,080 the daredevil pilot climbs into his plane. 486 00:24:59,180 --> 00:25:01,550 By his side is his copilot, 487 00:25:01,650 --> 00:25:04,920 who will assist with navigation during the 40-hour flight. 488 00:25:08,090 --> 00:25:10,890 At first, as the men fly over the open ocean, 489 00:25:11,000 --> 00:25:13,560 the voyage seems to be going smoothly. 490 00:25:13,660 --> 00:25:15,900 Things are, so far, going pretty much according to plan 491 00:25:16,000 --> 00:25:17,730 and going pretty well. 492 00:25:17,840 --> 00:25:21,500 WILDMAN: But when it comes time to release the landing gear, 493 00:25:21,610 --> 00:25:24,670 there's a problem. 494 00:25:24,780 --> 00:25:27,980 Pangborn tugs the cable, as planned. 495 00:25:28,080 --> 00:25:32,480 But only part of the gear detaches and falls to the ocean. 496 00:25:32,580 --> 00:25:35,950 The rest of it is somehow stuck to the wing. 497 00:25:36,050 --> 00:25:37,850 If they can't get it to come off, 498 00:25:37,960 --> 00:25:39,090 the weight will cause them 499 00:25:39,190 --> 00:25:42,660 to run out of fuel and crash into the Pacific. 500 00:25:42,760 --> 00:25:44,230 If Pangborn doesn't figure out something quick, 501 00:25:44,330 --> 00:25:46,500 this means certain death. 502 00:25:50,800 --> 00:25:52,500 It's 1931. 503 00:25:52,600 --> 00:25:54,570 Aviator Clyde Pangborn is attempting 504 00:25:54,670 --> 00:25:58,110 to become the first person to fly across the Pacific Ocean. 505 00:25:58,210 --> 00:26:00,540 The plane itself 506 00:26:00,640 --> 00:26:02,380 is too heavy to make the entire trip. 507 00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:04,080 So Pangborn intends to jettison 508 00:26:04,180 --> 00:26:06,120 his landing gear midflight. 509 00:26:06,220 --> 00:26:08,920 But some of his equipment gets snagged on the wing, 510 00:26:09,020 --> 00:26:10,420 and if he can't get it off, 511 00:26:10,520 --> 00:26:12,720 Pangborn will plummet into the ocean. 512 00:26:12,820 --> 00:26:16,360 What the pilot does next defies belief. 513 00:26:18,460 --> 00:26:21,200 DERNER: Pangborn knows that he doesn't really have time to be scared. 514 00:26:21,300 --> 00:26:23,670 It's pretty much life-or-death at this point. 515 00:26:23,770 --> 00:26:26,670 WILDMAN: Pangborn hands the controls to his copilot. 516 00:26:26,770 --> 00:26:30,540 Then, bracing himself against 100-mile-per-hour winds, 517 00:26:30,640 --> 00:26:33,710 he carefully slides out onto the wing of the plane. 518 00:26:33,810 --> 00:26:36,480 This was absolutely insane. 519 00:26:36,580 --> 00:26:39,010 WILDMAN: Pangborn inches over to the equipment 520 00:26:39,120 --> 00:26:41,980 and struggles to pry it off with his bare hands. 521 00:26:42,090 --> 00:26:44,520 He could lose control and tumble into the water. 522 00:26:44,620 --> 00:26:46,460 He's gotta make this work. 523 00:26:46,560 --> 00:26:49,730 WILDMAN: Pangborn strains against the cold metal. 524 00:26:49,830 --> 00:26:53,200 Then, after several agonizing minutes, 525 00:26:53,300 --> 00:26:57,470 the landing gear releases. 526 00:26:57,570 --> 00:27:00,000 If it wasn't for all the years of experience that Pangborn had, 527 00:27:00,100 --> 00:27:02,600 he would not have been able to accomplish this. 528 00:27:02,710 --> 00:27:06,540 WILDMAN: Pangborn safely climbs back inside the aircraft. 529 00:27:06,640 --> 00:27:08,380 With the landing gear gone, 530 00:27:08,480 --> 00:27:12,610 the plane is now light enough to complete the journey. 531 00:27:12,720 --> 00:27:15,550 At 7:41 am on October 5th, 532 00:27:15,650 --> 00:27:18,190 Pangborn flies into the history books. 533 00:27:18,290 --> 00:27:20,590 He pulls off a successful belly landing 534 00:27:20,690 --> 00:27:23,790 at the airfield in Wenatchee, Washington. 535 00:27:23,890 --> 00:27:26,960 There, he's greeted by a representative from Japan, 536 00:27:27,060 --> 00:27:30,500 waiting with a check for $25,000. 537 00:27:30,600 --> 00:27:32,500 At this point, he's excited, elated, 538 00:27:32,600 --> 00:27:34,440 and he's a very happy man. 539 00:27:34,540 --> 00:27:37,110 [ Outro climbs ] 540 00:27:37,210 --> 00:27:40,710 The feat raises Pangborn's celebrity even higher 541 00:27:40,810 --> 00:27:45,110 and the prize money keeps him aloft for the rest of his life. 542 00:27:45,220 --> 00:27:48,080 Today, this bent propeller from the very aircraft 543 00:27:48,190 --> 00:27:51,490 that Pangborn flew across the Pacific is in the collection 544 00:27:51,590 --> 00:27:54,590 of the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center. 545 00:27:54,690 --> 00:27:56,630 It's a testament to the daring pilot 546 00:27:56,730 --> 00:27:58,130 and the high-flying adventure 547 00:27:58,230 --> 00:28:02,500 that took aviation to new heights. 548 00:28:04,000 --> 00:28:05,470 Seattle, Washington. 549 00:28:05,570 --> 00:28:07,700 From 1916 to 2001, 550 00:28:07,810 --> 00:28:09,870 this metropolis was the headquarters 551 00:28:09,970 --> 00:28:12,710 of famed aviation company, Boeing. 552 00:28:12,810 --> 00:28:15,140 Preserving this high-flying history 553 00:28:15,250 --> 00:28:18,280 is the largest private air and space museum in the world-- 554 00:28:18,380 --> 00:28:21,020 the Museum of Flight. 555 00:28:21,120 --> 00:28:23,990 The winged wonders in these massive halls 556 00:28:24,090 --> 00:28:26,460 include the world's first fighter plane, 557 00:28:26,560 --> 00:28:28,960 a 1963 Blackbird, 558 00:28:29,060 --> 00:28:32,660 and a drone used in a 2009 rescue mission. 559 00:28:34,970 --> 00:28:37,370 But amongst these examples of military might 560 00:28:37,470 --> 00:28:40,400 is a craft that appears much more primitive. 561 00:28:40,500 --> 00:28:43,010 HAGEDORN: The wingspan of the aircraft is about 41 feet. 562 00:28:43,110 --> 00:28:46,040 It could attain an air speed of between 85 563 00:28:46,140 --> 00:28:49,410 and 125 miles per hour. 564 00:28:49,510 --> 00:28:52,950 WILDMAN: This bare-bones Curtiss Robin tells the incredible tale 565 00:28:53,050 --> 00:28:55,480 of a hair-raising stunt. 566 00:28:55,590 --> 00:28:58,220 This is a story about an average American young man 567 00:28:58,320 --> 00:29:01,890 who'd achieved something really quite spectacular. 568 00:29:05,760 --> 00:29:08,960 WILDMAN: 1927, San Diego, California-- 569 00:29:09,070 --> 00:29:11,870 20-year-old Douglas Corrigan 570 00:29:11,970 --> 00:29:14,270 is a charming novice pilot. 571 00:29:14,370 --> 00:29:17,310 A mechanic for famed aviator, Charles Lindbergh, 572 00:29:17,410 --> 00:29:21,010 he dreams of following in the record-breaker's footsteps. 573 00:29:21,110 --> 00:29:23,910 So the adventurous Irish-American concocts 574 00:29:24,010 --> 00:29:26,620 a lofty plan of his own. 575 00:29:26,720 --> 00:29:28,680 His goal was to be the first person 576 00:29:28,790 --> 00:29:31,190 to fly nonstop from the United States 577 00:29:31,290 --> 00:29:34,220 to the capital of his homeland, Dublin, Ireland. 578 00:29:34,330 --> 00:29:37,060 WILDMAN: The mechanic begins by purchasing 579 00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:39,060 the only plane he can afford-- 580 00:29:39,160 --> 00:29:41,900 a battered and worn Curtiss Robin, 581 00:29:42,000 --> 00:29:43,900 the same model today 582 00:29:44,000 --> 00:29:46,570 on display at the Museum of Flight. 583 00:29:46,670 --> 00:29:50,070 But Corrigan knows that to fly overseas, 584 00:29:50,170 --> 00:29:52,610 the rickety craft must first pass 585 00:29:52,710 --> 00:29:54,610 a rigorous safety inspection 586 00:29:54,710 --> 00:29:56,880 conducted by the Civil Aeronautics Authority. 587 00:29:56,980 --> 00:29:59,650 For years, he labors tirelessly, 588 00:29:59,750 --> 00:30:02,250 attempting to bring the plane up to snuff. 589 00:30:02,350 --> 00:30:05,590 He was sinking everything he had into that aircraft. 590 00:30:08,160 --> 00:30:11,560 WILDMAN: In 1936, Corrigan submits his plane for inspection, 591 00:30:11,660 --> 00:30:14,030 but the safety examiner determines that 592 00:30:14,130 --> 00:30:16,470 the dilapidated craft is not sound enough 593 00:30:16,570 --> 00:30:19,000 to fly nonstop over the ocean. 594 00:30:19,100 --> 00:30:22,870 So he only approves Corrigan for a cross-country flight. 595 00:30:22,970 --> 00:30:26,240 HAGEDORN: Basically, they said that we just don't want 596 00:30:26,340 --> 00:30:28,540 to authorize suicide. 597 00:30:28,650 --> 00:30:30,850 WILDMAN: The aviator is deflated, 598 00:30:30,950 --> 00:30:34,020 but he decides to put his renovated plane to the test 599 00:30:34,120 --> 00:30:37,320 by flying from California to New York. 600 00:30:37,420 --> 00:30:40,920 In 1938, he takes to the skies, 601 00:30:41,030 --> 00:30:43,560 and incredibly, the patchwork plane 602 00:30:43,660 --> 00:30:45,790 completes the journey without a hitch. 603 00:30:45,900 --> 00:30:48,160 In New York, 604 00:30:48,270 --> 00:30:50,370 convinced he will now be allowed to fulfill 605 00:30:50,470 --> 00:30:53,400 his record-breaking dream, Corrigan reapplies 606 00:30:53,500 --> 00:30:56,100 for permission to fly across the Atlantic. 607 00:30:56,210 --> 00:30:58,640 They did not authorize that. 608 00:30:58,740 --> 00:31:01,880 These inspectors would not cut him a break. 609 00:31:01,980 --> 00:31:04,880 WILDMAN: Instead, they will only allow Corrigan 610 00:31:04,980 --> 00:31:07,850 to make the return flight back to California, 611 00:31:07,950 --> 00:31:11,390 but the aviator isn't willing to give up on his dream, 612 00:31:11,460 --> 00:31:15,290 so he concocts a daring plan to make it a reality. 613 00:31:15,390 --> 00:31:19,030 July 17th, Brooklyn. 614 00:31:19,130 --> 00:31:22,460 Just after 5 a.m., Corrigan takes off 615 00:31:22,570 --> 00:31:25,770 from Floyd Bennett Field, heading west to California. 616 00:31:28,270 --> 00:31:30,340 But seconds later, he does something 617 00:31:30,440 --> 00:31:32,810 that shocks airport staff. 618 00:31:32,910 --> 00:31:35,380 HAGEDORN: He did a 180 619 00:31:35,480 --> 00:31:38,580 and headed east to Ireland and into history. 620 00:31:38,680 --> 00:31:41,880 WILDMAN: The mischievous aviator knows 621 00:31:41,990 --> 00:31:45,020 he's risking arrest and his own safety, 622 00:31:45,120 --> 00:31:47,220 but he puts his trust in the plane 623 00:31:47,320 --> 00:31:49,960 and successfully navigates toward the Atlantic. 624 00:31:50,060 --> 00:31:52,630 Then, 10 hours later, 625 00:31:52,730 --> 00:31:54,960 midway over the ocean, Corrigan feels 626 00:31:55,070 --> 00:31:57,030 an odd sensation. 627 00:31:57,130 --> 00:31:59,600 His feet are soaking wet. 628 00:31:59,700 --> 00:32:03,470 HAGEDORN: His feet were actually immersed in fuel 629 00:32:03,570 --> 00:32:05,870 that had leaked out of one of the tanks. 630 00:32:05,980 --> 00:32:08,410 WILDMAN: A terrified Corrigan realizes 631 00:32:08,510 --> 00:32:10,950 he may run out of fuel, 632 00:32:11,050 --> 00:32:14,120 or worse, if the errant gas reaches the hot engine, 633 00:32:14,220 --> 00:32:16,790 the whole plane will explode. 634 00:32:18,990 --> 00:32:22,490 He needs to get to land -- He needs to get to land now. 635 00:32:22,590 --> 00:32:25,790 WILDMAN: Will the defiant pilot survive the flight, 636 00:32:25,900 --> 00:32:29,330 or will his attempt to make history crash and burn? 637 00:32:32,640 --> 00:32:34,670 It's July 1938. 638 00:32:34,770 --> 00:32:37,370 In defiance of aviation inspectors, 639 00:32:37,470 --> 00:32:41,340 pilot Douglas Corrigan has taken to the skies in an attempt 640 00:32:41,440 --> 00:32:44,680 to become the first man to fly from New York to Dublin. 641 00:32:44,780 --> 00:32:46,710 But midway over the Atlantic, 642 00:32:46,820 --> 00:32:49,220 the gas tank of his run-down aircraft 643 00:32:49,320 --> 00:32:51,620 begins dangerously leaking fuel. 644 00:32:51,720 --> 00:32:54,460 So will this pilot survive? 645 00:32:56,430 --> 00:32:59,990 Corrigan acts quickly to keep the fuel from reaching the hot engine. 646 00:33:00,100 --> 00:33:02,600 HAGEDORN: He used a jackknife that he carried in his pocket 647 00:33:02,700 --> 00:33:05,170 to cut a small opening under the surface 648 00:33:05,270 --> 00:33:07,240 of where the fuel was accumulating so that 649 00:33:07,340 --> 00:33:09,570 it could exit the aircraft. 650 00:33:09,670 --> 00:33:11,710 WILDMAN: But Corrigan is unsure 651 00:33:11,810 --> 00:33:14,640 if he has sufficient gas to reach Dublin, 652 00:33:14,740 --> 00:33:17,710 and he can't find the leak's source to stem the flow. 653 00:33:17,810 --> 00:33:19,850 It's a race between time, 654 00:33:19,950 --> 00:33:22,720 distance, and dwindling fuel. 655 00:33:22,820 --> 00:33:26,090 WILDMAN: Hour after excruciating hour passes 656 00:33:26,190 --> 00:33:28,460 as the fuel tanks approach empty. 657 00:33:28,560 --> 00:33:30,660 Then, incredibly, 658 00:33:30,760 --> 00:33:33,590 Corrigan spots the Irish coast. 659 00:33:33,700 --> 00:33:37,230 Relieved, the aviator navigates his way 660 00:33:37,330 --> 00:33:40,300 to Dublin's Baldonnel Airport, and finally, 661 00:33:40,400 --> 00:33:43,470 after 3,175 miles, 662 00:33:43,570 --> 00:33:45,810 the plane touches down. 663 00:33:45,910 --> 00:33:48,180 He had done what he set out to do. 664 00:33:48,280 --> 00:33:50,850 WILDMAN: Determined to avoid prosecution, 665 00:33:50,950 --> 00:33:53,310 the charming pilot feigns confusion. 666 00:33:53,420 --> 00:33:56,080 He said, "Where am I?" 667 00:33:56,190 --> 00:33:58,720 He claimed that he, in fact, 668 00:33:58,820 --> 00:34:00,920 had intended to go California. 669 00:34:01,020 --> 00:34:03,860 His story was he went the wrong way. 670 00:34:03,960 --> 00:34:07,500 WILDMAN: But many see through this flimsy cover, 671 00:34:07,600 --> 00:34:10,300 and the media on both sides of the Atlantic 672 00:34:10,400 --> 00:34:13,030 instantly latch on to the mischievous tale. 673 00:34:13,140 --> 00:34:15,170 HAGEDORN: From that day forward, 674 00:34:15,270 --> 00:34:17,740 he was Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan. 675 00:34:17,840 --> 00:34:21,510 WILDMAN: When he returns home, the self-made aviator is embraced 676 00:34:21,610 --> 00:34:23,880 as a hero of the every man. 677 00:34:23,980 --> 00:34:26,610 HAGEDORN: He was a genuine American success story. 678 00:34:28,620 --> 00:34:30,850 WILDMAN: Today, this Curtiss Robin on display 679 00:34:30,950 --> 00:34:32,990 at the Museum of Flight stands as 680 00:34:33,090 --> 00:34:35,090 a tribute to an adventurous aviator 681 00:34:35,190 --> 00:34:38,190 who deceptively soared to new heights. 682 00:34:41,800 --> 00:34:45,270 Pueblo, Colorado, was once the largest steel producer 683 00:34:45,370 --> 00:34:47,500 west of the Mississippi River, 684 00:34:47,600 --> 00:34:51,640 a distinction that earned it the nickname Steel City. 685 00:34:51,740 --> 00:34:53,370 And on the outskirts of town 686 00:34:53,480 --> 00:34:56,040 is an institution dedicated to machines built 687 00:34:56,150 --> 00:34:58,550 from this vital material -- 688 00:34:58,650 --> 00:35:03,250 the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum. 689 00:35:03,350 --> 00:35:05,850 Inside, visitors can examine a helicopter 690 00:35:05,960 --> 00:35:08,290 from the Korean War, 691 00:35:08,390 --> 00:35:10,560 a homemade biplane, 692 00:35:10,660 --> 00:35:12,490 and a Boeing Superfortress bomber 693 00:35:12,600 --> 00:35:15,960 from World War II. 694 00:35:16,070 --> 00:35:18,630 But among these aeronautical marvels 695 00:35:18,740 --> 00:35:22,770 is one that, at first glance, appears humble by comparison. 696 00:35:22,870 --> 00:35:26,840 GRADY-WILLIS: It's 38 feet wide, 25 feet long, 697 00:35:26,940 --> 00:35:28,780 and 10 feet tall. 698 00:35:28,880 --> 00:35:31,550 It's made of wood and fabric 699 00:35:31,650 --> 00:35:33,610 and covered in metal. 700 00:35:33,720 --> 00:35:36,850 It is silver with a blue stripe. 701 00:35:36,950 --> 00:35:39,690 Looking at it now, it looks antique. 702 00:35:39,790 --> 00:35:42,920 WILDMAN: This is an Alexander Eaglerock biplane. 703 00:35:46,100 --> 00:35:50,000 This aircraft recalls an epic quest for equal rights. 704 00:35:50,100 --> 00:35:53,330 GRADY-WILLIS: It's a reminder of a historic flight 705 00:35:53,440 --> 00:35:57,040 when one man dared to push the limits. 706 00:36:01,810 --> 00:36:04,350 WILDMAN: 1932 -- Los Angeles. 707 00:36:04,450 --> 00:36:07,050 32-year-old James Herman Banning 708 00:36:07,150 --> 00:36:11,220 is one of the nation's only African-American pilots. 709 00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:15,560 He scrapes a living together by flying in stunt shows. 710 00:36:15,660 --> 00:36:17,690 But the talented aviator is excluded 711 00:36:17,790 --> 00:36:21,900 from steady work such as flying for the Army Air Corps. 712 00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:25,170 GRADY-WILLIS: The perception of African-American pilots 713 00:36:25,270 --> 00:36:30,070 was that they were capable of entertaining individuals 714 00:36:30,170 --> 00:36:33,770 but weren't necessarily capable pilots. 715 00:36:33,880 --> 00:36:35,080 So Banning 716 00:36:35,180 --> 00:36:39,350 literally lived an existence just skirting poverty. 717 00:36:39,450 --> 00:36:41,720 WILDMAN: Banning wants to have the same opportunities 718 00:36:41,820 --> 00:36:43,350 as white pilots. 719 00:36:43,450 --> 00:36:46,990 Unfortunately, Banning's dream is a world away. 720 00:36:47,090 --> 00:36:50,490 Organizations like the military consider black pilots 721 00:36:50,590 --> 00:36:53,330 inferior to their white counterparts. 722 00:36:53,430 --> 00:36:56,160 GRADY-WILLIS: But Banning was determined to demonstrate, 723 00:36:56,270 --> 00:36:58,300 beyond a shadow of a doubt, 724 00:36:58,400 --> 00:37:02,370 that blacks were skilled pilots. 725 00:37:02,470 --> 00:37:05,210 WILDMAN: To achieve equal opportunity in the skies, 726 00:37:05,310 --> 00:37:07,440 Banning vows to do something 727 00:37:07,540 --> 00:37:10,710 never before done by an African-American pilot -- 728 00:37:10,810 --> 00:37:13,010 complete a transcontinental flight 729 00:37:13,120 --> 00:37:16,020 across the United States. 730 00:37:16,120 --> 00:37:20,120 Transcontinental flying was a key hallmark 731 00:37:20,220 --> 00:37:25,060 of capability and success for pilots. 732 00:37:25,160 --> 00:37:27,530 WILDMAN: But it's no easy feat. 733 00:37:27,630 --> 00:37:32,170 Most aircraft are limited by small fuel tanks. 734 00:37:32,270 --> 00:37:33,700 The 3,000-mile journey 735 00:37:33,800 --> 00:37:37,070 will require him to fly from airfield to airfield 736 00:37:37,170 --> 00:37:39,440 and refuel along the way. 737 00:37:39,540 --> 00:37:41,440 It's a treacherous undertaking. 738 00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:47,280 Nevertheless, Banning thinks if he can pull it off, 739 00:37:47,380 --> 00:37:48,980 the army and other employers 740 00:37:49,090 --> 00:37:52,820 will be forced to take black pilots seriously. 741 00:37:52,920 --> 00:37:56,220 If he succeeded in making this flight, 742 00:37:56,330 --> 00:37:59,630 the doors would finally open. 743 00:37:59,730 --> 00:38:00,860 WILDMAN: To make the journey, 744 00:38:00,960 --> 00:38:04,800 Banning secures an Alexander Eaglerock biplane 745 00:38:04,900 --> 00:38:06,330 like the one on display 746 00:38:06,440 --> 00:38:09,300 at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum. 747 00:38:09,410 --> 00:38:14,080 It was a World-War-I-era biplane. 748 00:38:14,180 --> 00:38:17,080 It had a 14-year-old engine 749 00:38:17,180 --> 00:38:21,250 and was weather-beaten to say the least. 750 00:38:21,350 --> 00:38:24,220 WILDMAN: To help him fix any mechanical problems along the way, 751 00:38:24,320 --> 00:38:28,220 he recruits a copilot named Thomas Cox Allen. 752 00:38:28,320 --> 00:38:30,390 He has limited flight experience, 753 00:38:30,490 --> 00:38:32,460 but he's an exceptional mechanic. 754 00:38:35,300 --> 00:38:39,630 WILDMAN: In September, the intrepid pair are ready to take off. 755 00:38:39,740 --> 00:38:41,540 There's just one problem -- 756 00:38:41,640 --> 00:38:43,970 They are desperately short on funds 757 00:38:44,070 --> 00:38:48,240 and only have enough money to afford a single tank of fuel. 758 00:38:48,340 --> 00:38:51,850 They have only $25 between them. 759 00:38:51,950 --> 00:38:56,250 WILDMAN: The journey seems doomed to fail before it has even begun. 760 00:38:56,350 --> 00:39:01,420 This historic flight may not even take place after all. 761 00:39:01,520 --> 00:39:05,530 How will Banning and Allen make their dream take off? 762 00:39:11,770 --> 00:39:14,370 It's 1932 in California. 763 00:39:14,470 --> 00:39:17,840 Pilots James Herman Banning and Thomas Allen 764 00:39:17,940 --> 00:39:20,180 are attempting to become the first African-Americans 765 00:39:20,280 --> 00:39:23,250 to fly across the United States. 766 00:39:23,350 --> 00:39:24,550 But there's a problem -- 767 00:39:24,650 --> 00:39:26,680 they have no money for fuel. 768 00:39:26,780 --> 00:39:29,990 So how will this historic flight ever take off? 769 00:39:32,160 --> 00:39:35,120 Just days before they are scheduled to depart, 770 00:39:35,230 --> 00:39:38,530 Allen is struck with an idea. 771 00:39:38,630 --> 00:39:40,160 They will chart a course 772 00:39:40,260 --> 00:39:44,430 so that they land in cities with sizable black populations. 773 00:39:44,540 --> 00:39:47,540 At each stop, they will ask the community for donations 774 00:39:47,640 --> 00:39:48,940 towards fuel. 775 00:39:49,040 --> 00:39:51,440 And to publicize their stunt, 776 00:39:51,540 --> 00:39:54,240 they'll give themselves an apt nickname. 777 00:39:54,340 --> 00:39:57,980 They decide to call themselves the flying hobos. 778 00:39:59,650 --> 00:40:02,220 WILDMAN: On September 19th, Allen and Banning 779 00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:05,250 take off from Los Angeles. 780 00:40:05,360 --> 00:40:09,120 A few days later, they land in Yuma, Arizona, 781 00:40:09,230 --> 00:40:12,430 and ask the local community for help. 782 00:40:12,530 --> 00:40:14,600 GRADY-WILLIS: They would reach out to local churches, 783 00:40:14,700 --> 00:40:17,130 barber shops, pool halls, 784 00:40:17,230 --> 00:40:19,870 anywhere where they could drum up support. 785 00:40:19,970 --> 00:40:23,000 WILDMAN: Residents are so moved by the pilots' quest 786 00:40:23,110 --> 00:40:27,040 and eagerly offer them a free tank of gas. 787 00:40:27,140 --> 00:40:30,480 Banning and Allen are on their way once more. 788 00:40:30,580 --> 00:40:35,220 They make stops in St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. 789 00:40:35,320 --> 00:40:36,950 And each time they land, 790 00:40:37,050 --> 00:40:39,790 they are met with an outpouring of local support. 791 00:40:39,890 --> 00:40:40,920 GRADY-WILLIS: Everyone felt 792 00:40:41,020 --> 00:40:43,990 that there was simply too much at stake 793 00:40:44,090 --> 00:40:46,830 for them to fail. 794 00:40:46,930 --> 00:40:49,560 WILDMAN: On October 9th, after 21 days 795 00:40:49,670 --> 00:40:51,670 and 3,300 miles, 796 00:40:51,770 --> 00:40:54,970 Banning and Allen touched down to great fanfare 797 00:40:55,070 --> 00:40:59,340 at Long Island, New York's, Valley Stream Airport. 798 00:40:59,440 --> 00:41:02,440 There are thousands of individuals who greet them. 799 00:41:02,550 --> 00:41:06,010 They receive a hero's welcome. 800 00:41:08,590 --> 00:41:10,850 WILDMAN: The story is picked up by the press, 801 00:41:10,950 --> 00:41:12,120 bringing national attention 802 00:41:12,220 --> 00:41:15,920 to the discrimination faced by black pilots. 803 00:41:16,030 --> 00:41:18,030 Eight years later, in 1940, 804 00:41:18,130 --> 00:41:20,960 Banning's vision of opening the skies to all 805 00:41:21,060 --> 00:41:23,870 goes farther than he ever imagined. 806 00:41:23,970 --> 00:41:25,500 The United States Army finally 807 00:41:25,600 --> 00:41:29,910 allows African-Americans to serve as pilots. 808 00:41:30,010 --> 00:41:33,210 Today, this 1926 Alexander Eaglerock 809 00:41:33,310 --> 00:41:34,640 remains on display 810 00:41:34,750 --> 00:41:38,510 at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum in Colorado. 811 00:41:38,620 --> 00:41:40,220 It recalls the historic journey 812 00:41:40,320 --> 00:41:42,750 made by two African-American pilots 813 00:41:42,850 --> 00:41:45,390 determined to reach new heights. 814 00:41:47,490 --> 00:41:49,390 From a dirigible disaster 815 00:41:49,490 --> 00:41:52,130 to a marathon flight. 816 00:41:52,230 --> 00:41:54,730 The first female aviator 817 00:41:54,830 --> 00:41:56,900 to the flying hobos. 818 00:41:57,000 --> 00:42:00,400 I'm Don Wildman, and these are the mysteries at the museum.