The Amazing Story of Douglas Corrigan's Flight to Ireland

Name: The Amazing Story of Douglas Corrigan's Flight to Ireland
Start: 1907-07-17
Location: Unspecified

Unplanned Journey of Douglas Corrigan

On July 17, 1938, pilot Douglas Corrigan embarked on a journey from New York to Los Angeles, but instead found himself landing in **Ireland**, a tale that would earn him the nickname "**Wrong Way** Corrigan**. What initially appeared as a miscalculation became an enduring legend in aviation history, defying expectations of precision in early solo flights.

Who Was Douglas Corrigan?

Douglas Corrigan was born in 1907 in **Galway, New York**. A passionate aviator, he earned his pilot's license in 1928. Despite starting as a mechanic, Corrigan's dreams of flying across the country spurred him into a legendary career in aviation. His determination to cross the Atlantic as an amateur pilot would lead to a remarkable story that captured the public’s imagination.

The Flight That Went Awry

Initially, Corrigan aimed to fly from **New York** to Los Angeles in his **Curtiss Robin** aircraft. However, weather conditions forced a detour. He controversially claimed that due to mechanical issues and low visibility, he took off from Newark without filing a flight plan. Leaving on the evening of July 17, he failed to inform anyone of his intended route, ultimately causing confusion and speculation about his actual destination.

Landing in Ireland

On July 18, 1938, after approximately 28 hours of flight, Corrigan landed in Dublin, **Ireland**. Upon arrival, he was greeted with disbelief. Most thought it was impossible, if not reckless, for a pilot of his experience to complete such a journey unintentionally, leading to questions and speculation about whether it was indeed an accidental landing.

Reaction to Corrigan's Landing

The aviation community and the public were quick to celebrate Corrigan’s unexpected arrival. The term "**Wrong Way Corrigan**" became synonymous with his flight as he humorously claimed it was a mistake. His story was adopted widely in the media, which both fascinated and amused the public, giving him a hero’s welcome back in the United States.

The Aftermath of the Journey

Corrigan's journey sparked conversations about public safety in aviation and innovation on how small-plane flights should be managed. Subsequently, he received a hero's welcome in **New York**, where he was celebrated for his adventurous spirit. His unintended trip demonstrated the allure of aviation despite technical limitations at the time.

Fun Fact

Douglas Corrigan’s Interesting Fact

Even after landing in Dublin, Corrigan managed to return to the states by way of a transatlantic flight, reinforcing his accidental hero status, and he became an icon of the aviation community.