Summary L'Oiseau Blanc disappeared attempting a transatlantic flight in 1927 destined to win the Orteig Prize. Many rumors surround the aircraft's fate, with speculation that it crashed in Maine or Newfoundland. Legacy of the disappearance includes films, museums, and ongoing search efforts to find remains in Newfoundland.
The disappearance of L'Oiseau Blanc remains one of the greatest mysteries in aviation. The French Levasseur PL.8 biplane disappeared in 1927 while attempting to make the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic between Paris and New York City.
It was destined to win the Orteig Prize. French World War I heroes were at the helm of the aircraft, Charles Nungesser and François Coli. At the time, Nungesser was the third-highest French ace with 43 compact victories during the First World War.
The Orteig Prize was established by New York City hotel owner Raymond Orteig, who encouraged aviators to fly non-stop between New York and Paris (or vice versa). Many famous aviators attempted the trip but were unsuccessful. Nungesser and Coli in L'Oiseau Blanc departed from mainland Europe, Paris, on May 8, 1927, and were last sighted over Ireland.
Less than two weeks later, their competitor, Charles Lindbergh, successfully completed the transatlantic journey and claimed the prize in his aircraft, the 'Spirit of St. Louis.' Many rumors have circulated over the last century about the fate of the aircraft and its crew, with many assuming that it encountered a squall over t.