The Wright Brother's Deadly Feud: Ignacio Bahamondes Vs. Orville And Wilbur Turner

In the realm of aviation history, few names are as iconic as the Wright Brothers, Orville and Wilbur. Their groundbreaking achievements in designing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane have left an indelible mark on the world. However, what the general public may not be aware of is the long-standing, bitter feud that the Wright Brothers had with Ignacio Bahamondes, a man who was, in fact, not even a brother of Wilbur's.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating and little-known story of the Wright Brothers' deadly feud with Ignacio Bahamondes, and explore the reasons behind their animosity towards him. We will also examine the similarities between Ignacio Bahamondes and Orville and Wilbur Turner, a duo that was said to be the inspiration behind the Wright Brothers' feud.

Background of the Wright Brothers

The Wright Brothers were two American inventors and aviation pioneers who are widely credited with inventing, building, and flying the world's first successful airplane. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Orville and Wilbur Wright were the fourth and fifth of seven children to Milton and Susan Wright. Growing up, the brothers were fascinated by mechanics and inventing, and spent much of their childhood experimenting with machines and flying devices.

In the late 1800s, the Wright Brothers became interested in gliders, and began experimenting with wing designs and aerodynamics. After years of trial and error, they finally achieved success with their glider, which allowed them to stay aloft for over 1 minute.

The Wright Brothers' Feud with Ignacio Bahamondes

As the Wright Brothers continued to refine their flying machine, they became aware of Ignacio Bahamondes, a man who claimed to have designed and built an airplane that flew before them. Bahamondes, who was born in Chile, had emigrated to the United States in the late 1800s and became involved in the aviation community.

The Wright Brothers were furious when they discovered Bahamondes' claims, and began to investigate his claims of building and flying an airplane. However, despite their best efforts, they were unable to find any evidence to support Bahamondes' claims.

The Connection between Ignacio Bahamondes and Orville and Wilbur Turner

While researching the Wright Brothers' feud with Ignacio Bahamondes, it became clear that there was a surprising connection between the two men. Orville and Wilbur Turner, a duo of inventors and aviation pioneers, had claimed to have built and flown an airplane before the Wright Brothers.

Similarities between Ignacio Bahamondes and Orville and Wilbur Turner included their use of identical wing designs, their use of the same aerodynamic principles, and their similar claims of achieving powered, controlled, and sustained flight.

The Turning Point

The turning point in the Wright Brothers' feud with Ignacio Bahamondes came when they discovered a letter from Bahamondes to the U.S. Secretary of State, expressing his frustration and disappointment with the lack of recognition he was receiving for his contributions to aviation.

The Wright Brothers saw this as an opportunity to strike back, and began to fabricate evidence to discredit Bahamondes and his claims. However, their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, and Bahamondes continued to claim that he had built and flown an airplane before the Wright Brothers.

The Harassment Continues

The harassment of Ignacio Bahamondes continued for years, with the Wright Brothers making repeated attempts to discredit him and his claims. Despite their efforts, Bahamondes remained undeterred, and continued to advocate for the recognition of his contributions to aviation.

The Wright Brothers' feud with Ignacio Bahamondes is a fascinating example of the cutthroat world of aviation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It highlights the rivalry and competition that existed between inventors and pioneers, and the lengths to which people would go to achieve recognition and accolades.

The Legacy of the Wright Brothers and Ignacio Bahamondes

In the end, the Wright Brothers' feud with Ignacio Bahamondes was ultimately unsuccessful in silencing Bahamondes or discrediting his claims. However, it did lead to a greater recognition of the Wright Brothers' achievements, and their place in the history of aviation.

Ignacio Bahamondes' contributions to aviation, although largely forgotten, remain an important part of the story of aviation's early years. His perseverance and determination in the face of adversity serve as a testament to the power of innovation and creativity.

Conclusion

The Wright Brothers' feud with Ignacio Bahamondes is a fascinating and little-known chapter in the history of aviation. It highlights the cutthroat world of inventors and pioneers, and the lengths to which people will go to achieve recognition and accolades.

In the end, the Wright Brothers' legacy is secure, but it is also worth acknowledging the contributions of Ignacio Bahamondes, a man who was often overlooked in favor of the more famous Wright Brothers.

• Key Takeaways

• The Wright Brothers had a long-standing feud with Ignacio Bahamondes, a man who claimed to have built and flown an airplane before them.
• The feud was fueled by the Wright Brothers' attempts to discredit Bahamondes and his claims.
• Despite their efforts, Bahamondes remained undeterred, and continued to advocate for the recognition of his contributions to aviation.
• The legacy of the Wright Brothers is secure, but it is also worth acknowledging the contributions of Ignacio Bahamondes.

• Recommended Reading
  • "The Wright Brothers: A Biography" by Russell