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De Groofs Fatal Crash
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De Groofs Fatal Crash
DE GROOFs device is launched from a balloon over Cremorne Gardens, London. Unfortunately, something goes terribly wrong, and he plunges fatally to the ground. Date: 9 July 1874
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Media ID 14291821
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1874 Balloon Birdmen Crash Cremorne Device Fatal Fatally Launched Plunges Wrong
EDITORS COMMENTS
De Groof's Fatal Crash: A Tragic Turn of Events during an Early Aviation Experiment in London, 1874 This haunting image captures the moment of tragedy during an early aviation experiment in London's Cremorne Gardens on July 9, 1874. The intrepid figure in the foreground is that of Belgian inventor, Henri-Georges de Groof, who had designed and launched a unique flying device from a tethered balloon. Known as the 'De Groof Device,' it was an early attempt at human flight, inspired by the dreams of birdmen and the scientific curiosity of the age. However, as the crowd looked on in anticipation, something went terribly wrong. The device, which resembled a large pair of wings with a seat attached, failed to take flight as intended. Instead, de Groof plummeted to the ground, fatally injuring himself in the process. The tragic accident marked a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges inherent in the pursuit of human flight. Despite the fatal outcome, de Groof's experiment was a significant milestone in the history of aviation. It paved the way for further research and innovation, eventually leading to the successful flights of the Wright Brothers and the dawn of the aviation era. This poignant image serves as a testament to the human spirit of exploration and the determination to push the boundaries of what is possible.
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