Houdini done it – or did he?

2010 marks the centenary of powered flight in Australia, or does it? On Thursday 18 March the engine from what is believed to have been the first aircraft to fly in Australia will go on display at Scienceworks, highlighting the achievement, drama and controversy of early flight in Australia.

The engine will be on display in Going Places: The Technology of Transport, an exhibition that explores how science makes it possible to fly, float and cover vast distances as we move around the globe. Going Places includes a flight simulator and hands-on exhibits focusing on airships and airport security.

“The story surrounding early flight in Australia is a tale of trial, error, skulduggery, showbiz and big egos,” said David Crotty, Museum Victoria’s Curator, Engineering and Transport.

On 9 December 1909, English racing driver Colin Defries piloted a Wright Model A airplane, (named ‘The Stella’ after Defries’ wife) travelling approximately 100 yards (91m). The flight was witnessed and reported by several reliable sources, but was not officially recognised.

Australia’s first official flight is instead credited to the famous magician and escape artist Harry Houdini who, while on tour through Victoria, flew a Voisin biplane at Digger’s Rest on 18 March, 1910.

Defries’ airplane was lost when its owner, Lawrence Adamson, dumped it at sea off Port Phillip Bay to avoid paying a hefty customs fee. The Wright’s engine and its two propellers were salvaged in late 1910.

“The engine from Defries’ aeroplane is one of the most significant aeronautical artefacts in the Museum Victoria’s collections,” said Crotty.

“While it’s not possible to definitively answer the question of whether Defries’ was the first Australian flight, the Houdini centenary is a fitting occasion at least to recognise Defries’ effort,” he added.

The display at Scienceworks joins celebrations across Museum Victoria marking the centenary of flight:

• Visit the replica of the original Duigan biplane at the Melbourne Museum foyer, the first Australian built aircraft, designed and flown by John Duigan on 16 July 1910 at Mia Mia, near Kyneton.

Other events across Victoria include:

• Digger’s Rest Festival of Flight Thursday 18 – Sunday 21 March

Celebrate the centenary of Harry Houdini’s flight at Diggers Rest with a commemoration ceremony on Thursday 18 March and a weekend of celebrations 20 to 21 March, including an array of aircrafts that have flown in Australian skies over the last 100 years, a flying display, live entertainment and kids’ activities. The Digger’s Rest Festival of Flight is organised by the Shire of Melton.

Defries’ Wright engine – Centenary of flight in Australia display

18 March 2010 until 17 October 2010

Scienceworks, 2 Booker St, Spotswood

Adults $8, Children and Concession FREE

For more information phone 03 9392 4800 or visit museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks