5 Flight Fails From Back in the Day

It's easy to take flying for granted nowadays. NASA is developing an airplane that will cut fuel consumption by half. Filmmakers are trying to use robot planes to shoot Hollywood flicks. We live in a world where 3D-printed planes are a reality.

But before Orville and Wilbur Wright built the world's first successful airplane, hundreds of wannabe inventors tried to find a way to take flight. Some came up with planes similar to the now-famous Wright Brothers Flyer. A few more went for bicycle-powered flying machines. And a couple of chaps even strapped on giant wings and roller skated off a cliff. Masters of aviation they're not quite.

Watch Mashable's compilation of funny flight fails culled from Internet Archives, and be glad you're living in an era when flying is as natural as taking a bus. A little turbulence doesn't seem so bad any more, eh?

Homepage image via iStockphotoStay Media Productions

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