Controversy erupts over the rightful ownership of Wright brothers' plane

In the United States, a significant controversy has emerged surrounding a Wright brothers-built plane that has been on exhibit at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia since 1933. The plane, which was built in 1911 and features innovative flaps and cables, was reportedly donated by Grover C. Bergdoll, a wealthy individual known for dodging the draft during World War I. Bergdoll gained notoriety as the 'Playboy of the Eastern Seaboard' and later fled to Germany after being convicted of desertion in 1918. His family's recent challenge to the narrative surrounding the plane's donation has reignited interest in Bergdoll's legacy and the history of the aircraft itself. For nearly a century, the plane has been celebrated as part of aviation history; however, the circumstances of its acquisition are now under scrutiny. The Bergdoll family disputes the museum’s claim that it was gifted to them and insists that the history presented by the museum does not align with their family’s account, prompting questions about the authenticity of the museum’s historical representation.