October 14 in American History

October 14, 1947 — Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier

Flying the experimental Bell X-1 over the California desert, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound. He did it with two cracked ribs he'd hidden from the flight surgeon. The right stuff, in one afternoon.

Common Questions

What happened on October 14 in American history?

In 1947: Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier. Flying the experimental Bell X-1 over the California desert, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound.

Why is October 14 significant?

Flying the experimental Bell X-1 over the California desert, Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager became the first human to fly faster than the speed of sound. He did it with two cracked ribs he'd hidden from the flight surgeon. The right stuff, in one afternoon.

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