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Tragic parachute accident of Mr Cocking
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Tragic parachute accident of Mr Cocking
The tragic parachute accident of Mr R Cocking. The balloon ascended 5000 feet, the parachute was detached, was found to be damaged, and Mr Cocking fell to his death. He was 61 years old.
24 July 1837
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Media ID 7475045
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1830s 1837 Accident Age D Ascended Ballooning Cocking Damaged Descent Detached Fell Killed Parachute Tragic Unfortunate Years
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Tragic Parachute Accident of Mr. R Cocking: An Unfortunate Incident in Early Victorian Ballooning This poignant image captures the aftermath of a tragic accident in the annals of aviation history, the unfortunate incident involving Mr. R Cocking on 24th July 1837. The photograph, taken from The Royal Aeronautical Society's archives at the National Aerospace Library, depicts a parachute that malfunctioned during a balloon ascent, leading to the untimely death of its passenger, Mr. Cocking. The scene unfolds as a large, ornate hot air balloon ascends gracefully into the sky, reaching an impressive altitude of 5000 feet. However, the joy of the flight was short-lived as Mr. Cocking's parachute, essential for a safe descent, was found to be damaged upon deployment. The parachute, a crucial component of early transportation technology, failed to function properly, leaving Mr. Cocking with no means to break his fall. Mr. Cocking, a man of 61 years, plummeted to the ground, marking a grim end to an otherwise exhilarating adventure. The image serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges faced by pioneers of air travel during the 1830s. Despite the tragic outcome, the spirit of innovation and exploration continued to drive the progress of aviation technology, leading to advancements that would eventually make air travel safer and more accessible to the masses. This photograph, a poignant reminder of the past, stands as a testament to the human spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and progress, even in the face of adversity.
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