Douglas \"Wrong Way\" Corrigan\'s story is one of the most fascinating tales of aviation history. Born in 1907, Corrigan became an aviator and aircraft mechanic. He gained fame on July 17, 1938, when he took off from Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, New York, intending to fly to Long Beach, California. However, Corrigan ended up in Ireland 28 hours later, claiming a navigational error due to heavy cloud cover had led him astray. Many believed he had intentionally made the transatlantic flight, defying the authorities who had denied him permission. His plane, a modified Curtiss Robin named \"Sunshine,\" was equipped with extra fuel tanks and minimal supplies, highlighting his determination to make the daring journey across the Atlantic.
Despite the controversy, Corrigan\'s unauthorized flight made him a national hero. Upon his return to the United States, he was met with celebrations and parades, and he capitalized on his newfound fame by endorsing \"Wrong Way\" products and starring in a movie about his adventure. Corrigan\'s story is a testament to the daring spirit of early aviators and their relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of flight. It serves as an inspiring example of determination, ingenuity, and the thrill of adventure that defined the Golden Age of Aviation.