Instead, he splashed into the Danube river and the failure practically destroyed his career.
Albrecht Berblinger was born in 1770 in Ulm, Germany, to a poor family.
When he was 13, Berblingers father died and he was sent to an orphanage.
There, he was forced to start an apprenticeship as a tailor.
Berblinger excelled in his craft, becoming a master tailor at the age of 21.
But his passion was mechanics.
An old postcard depicting Albrecht Berblingers failed attempt to fly.
But his request was rejected.
The setback did not discourage Berblinger.
Instead, he devoted himself to the boldest of all schemesto fly in the air.
On May 30, 1811, Berblinger appeared on the banks of the Danube.
The bulwark of the city wall towered 13 meters over the bank.
On top of this bastion a seven meter high wooden scaffold had been erected.
So Berblinger stood 20 meters above the Danube.
The other bank of the Danube was 40 meters away, that’s where he was supposed to land.
The hang glider, which he designed and built himself, was attached to his back and arms.
People crowded on both banks of the river and waited for the sensation.
Among the crowd was the king, his three sons, and the crown prince of Bavaria.
The spectators rumored that Berblinger developed cold feet and turned white as a brick of cheese.
Memorial stone at Eagles Bastion, the place from where Berblinger attempted his jump.
Photo:Eigenes Werk/Wikimedia
Berblinger arrived again the next day for another attempt.
However, the wind conditions had not improved from the previous day, and Berblinger kept delaying his jump.
The crowd was getting annoyed and urged him to finally start his performance.
Berblinger was rescued by the fishermen and the crowd booed.
The city never forgave his failure.
He died penniless at the age of 58, and was buried in a pauper’s grave.
It was only in the 20th century that the world began to appreciate Berblingers efforts.
The only one who made it to the other bank suffered a dislocated arm as he landed.
A replica of Berblingers glider at Ulm City Hall.
