The Wright brothers are known for constructing the Wright Flyer, which was the first powered airplane. It was the first “heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a pilot aboard,” according to the U.S. Smithsonian Institution.

It was on this day, December 14th, in 1903 that the Wright brothers made their first attempt to fly the Wright Flyer in North Carolina.

The brothers decided that their aircraft was ready for flight, but the first attempt was unsuccessful. Wilbur Wright got the airplane to leave the rail, but he stalled and the plane came down after only three seconds. Luckily, the plane only received minor damage. After repairs, the Wright Flyer made its first successful flight three days later on December 17th.