1/31/2010:
The first attempt at flight in North Dakota was made on this date in 1910. Although the trial run was not successful, it led to further interest and, eventually, actual flight. A. E. Paulson, a Lisbon inventor, decided to try out his own version of an airplane on the outskirts of Lisbon. Paulson had already gained some notoriety in the area for patenting a number of inventions. Upon hearing of new flying machines, he decided to build his own. On the way to the test grounds, however, a piece broke. After repairs, Paulson and his brother finally made it to the testing grounds, but found that the runway was too short. After selecting another runway, the plane did gain lift, but broke again when a piece of the propeller chain caught in a shaft. Although Paulson remained grounded that day, the inventor looked forward to trying again real soon.
Dakota Datebook written by Jayme L. Job
Sources:
Fargo Forum and Daily Republican. Wednesday (Evening ed.), February 2, 1910: p.1.