In 1855 French sea captain Jean-Marie LeBris built a glider based on his observation of the albatross, the seabird with huge wings.
LeBris’ monoplane had a wingspan of 49 ft and total wingarea of 215 sq.ft.
The whole thing was set on a cart and drawn downhill by a horse. It flew briefly, scaring LeBris, and then crashed, breaking his leg.
LeBris gave up aeronautics.
All Aero 