The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, made the first successful powered airplane flight in 1903.
Their flight took place near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903. Orville piloted the first flight, which lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet. The brothers made three additional flights that day, with Wilbur’s final flight traveling 852 feet in 59 seconds.
The Wrights were bicycle manufacturers from Dayton, Ohio. They developed a practical system of three-axis control, conducted extensive wind-tunnel experiments, and built their own lightweight engine. Their work differed from earlier gliding experiments because they combined controlled flight with an engine and propeller system.
The achievement is often associated with Kitty Hawk, although the actual launch site was at nearby Kill Devil Hills. The brothers continued refining their aircraft after 1903, and Orville later flew at public demonstrations while Wilbur helped establish their European reputation.