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Clarence Chamberlin

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description Clarence Chamberlin Overview

Clarence Chamberlin was an American aviation pioneer best known for his record-breaking transatlantic flight in June 1927. Flying a Wright-Bellanca WB-2 monoplane named Columbia, Chamberlin and his passenger Charles Levine flew non-stop from New York to Eisleben, Germany. This achievement made Levine the first transatlantic passenger in history and occurred just weeks after Charles Lindbergh's famous solo flight. The journey also established a new world distance record for non-stop flight, cementing Chamberlin's place in aviation history.

help Clarence Chamberlin FAQ

What aircraft did Clarence Chamberlin fly across the Atlantic?

Chamberlin flew the Wright-Bellanca WB-2 monoplane Columbia, also known as Miss Columbia. Charles Levine accompanied him as passenger on the June 1927 flight.

When did Clarence Chamberlin make his transatlantic flight?

Chamberlin and Charles Levine departed New York on June 4, 1927, and reached the Eisleben area of Germany on June 5. They had flown nonstop for roughly 42 hours before landing after running low on fuel.

How did Chamberlin's flight differ from Charles Lindbergh's flight?

Chamberlin reached Germany with Charles Levine aboard, while Charles Lindbergh made his later May 1927 flight from New York to Paris alone. Chamberlin's Columbia flight covered more distance than Lindbergh's New York to Paris route, but it did not win the Orteig Prize because Lindbergh arrived first.

What was the Columbia aircraft's earlier achievement?

Before the Atlantic crossing, Chamberlin and Bert Acosta used the Wright-Bellanca WB-2 to set a world endurance record in April 1927. The aircraft remained central to Chamberlin's record attempts throughout that year.