Jan Wnęk
Jan Wnęk (* 1828 in Kaczowka ; † 1869 ) was a Polish carpenter , sculptor and aviation pioneer .
He was illiterate and acquired the necessary knowledge himself. Wnęk studied the flight of birds in order to learn the laws of flight. Finally, in 1866, he built a glider which he named Loty . He was tied to the glider at his chest and waist. By twisting the wings using ropes attached to his feet with stirrups , he was able to control the aircraft. Church records suggest that it started from a special ramp on the Odporyszów church tower . The 45 m high tower was located on a 50 m high hill, with which Wnęk started from a height of approx. 95 m.
He made several public flights over considerable distances, especially on Carnival , religious holidays and New Years . Wnęk had an accident on one of his flights in 1869 at the age of 41 and died of the consequences 2 months later. He did not leave any written records or drawings of his work, which is why this could not have any influence on the development of aviation.
souvenir
Today in Odporyszów there is a memorial near the crash site, commemorating Jan Wnęk. There is also a museum in which, among other things, sculptures by him are on display. There is a model of his glider in the Ethnographic Museum in Krakow , which is based on assumptions.
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Wnęk, Jan |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Polish carpenter, sculptor and aviation pioneer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1828 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Kaczowka |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1869 |