National Wrong Way Corrigan Day is an annual celebration honoring the legendary and humorous transatlantic flight of Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan. On July 17, 1938, Corrigan famously claimed to have flown from New York to Ireland by mistake, earning his nickname and a place in aviation history. This day celebrates his adventurous spirit and determination.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: July 17
- Tagged as: Aviation History, Humor, Determination
- What’s the hashtag?: #WrongWayCorriganDay
- When was it founded?: 1987
- Who founded it?: Long Island community in honor of the flight’s 49th anniversary
History of National Wrong Way Corrigan Day
Douglas Corrigan, born in 1907, was an American aviator who idolized Charles Lindbergh and dreamed of making a transatlantic flight himself. After being repeatedly denied permission to fly to Ireland due to safety concerns about his modified Curtiss Robin plane, Corrigan filed a flight plan to return to California but ended up in Dublin instead. While he claimed navigational errors caused the detour, many believe it was a deliberate act of defiance. His bold journey captured public imagination, earning him a hero’s welcome upon his return and a ticker-tape parade in New York City.
The day was officially recognized in 1987 on the 49th anniversary of his flight and has been celebrated nationwide since.
Timeline
- 1925: Corrigan takes his first airplane ride, sparking his love for aviation.
- 1926: He completes his first solo flight after training.
- 1938: On July 17, Corrigan makes his famous “wrong way” flight from New York to Dublin.
- 1987: Long Island commemorates the 49th anniversary with the first official Wrong Way Corrigan Day.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 17 | Thursday |
| 2026 | July 17 | Friday |
| 2027 | July 17 | Saturday |
| 2028 | July 17 | Monday |
| 2029 | July 17 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | July 17 | Wednesday |
Observed
This day is celebrated with events such as reenactments of Corrigan’s flight, aviation-themed parades, and storytelling sessions about his life and achievements. Fans honor his adventurous spirit by sharing stories online using #WrongWayCorriganDay.
Fun Facts About Wrong Way Corrigan
- His plane was so cramped with fuel tanks that he had little room to move during the flight.
- Upon landing in Dublin, he famously asked, “Where am I?”
- Despite breaking aviation laws, he only received a mild punishment—a two-week suspension of his pilot’s license.
- More people attended his ticker-tape parade than Charles Lindbergh’s!
Quiz
- What year did Douglas Corrigan make his famous flight?
- What nickname did he earn after his transatlantic journey?
- Where did Corrigan claim he was trying to fly when he ended up in Ireland?
(Answers: 1. 1938; 2. Wrong Way; 3. California)
FAQs
Where did Douglas “Wrong Way” Corrigan land instead of California?
He landed in Dublin, Ireland.
Why is he called “Wrong Way”?
Corrigan claimed navigational errors caused him to fly east across the Atlantic instead of west to California.
Where is his plane now?
His Curtiss Robin aircraft is displayed at the Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California.
Related
- Charles Lindbergh’s Transatlantic Flight
- National Aviation Day
- Amelia Earhart’s Legacy