ft) run the machine briefly left the ground. Concerned about his ability to control the aircraft in the stiff breeze that was blowing, Blériot cut the engine and landed, yet again damaging the undercarriage slightly. He had only flown around 6 m (20 ft), but nevertheless this was the first time one of his aircraft had successfully flown. More trials followed, the last on 19 April when, traveling at a speed of around 50 km/h (30 mph), the aircraft left the ground. Blériot over-responded when the nose began to rise and the machine hit the ground nose–first and somersaulted. It was largely destroyed and Blériot was fortunate to emerge unhurt. Specifications Notes References Elliott, Brian A. Blériot, Herald of an Age Stroud: Tempus, 2000. Opdycke, Leonard E. French Aeroplanes Before the Great War, p.47 Atglen, PA: Schiffer, 1999. 1900s French experimental aircraft 5 Single-engined pusher aircraft Canard aircraft Aircraft first flown in 1907