10. Under The Eiffel Tower

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • American P-51 pilot William Overstreet Jr. famously chased a Messerschmitt 109 under the Eiffel Tower during a 1944 dogfight.
  • In 1991, a Bonanza aircraft repeated Overstreet's feat with support from the French government.
  • Many pilots have likely flown under the Eiffel Tower since WWI, though most did not take credit for the stunt.
See a mistake? Contact us.

To commemorate a famous 1944 dogfight, in which American P-51 pilot and fighter ace William Overstreet Jr. chased a Messerschmitt 109 under the Eiffel Tower, a Bonanza in 1991 repeated the feat, with support from the French government. How many pilots have flown under the arch of the tower? Probably more than a few. It has been done since at least since WWI, and few of the pilots who have done so stepped up to take credit for the feat. 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest Plane & Pilot Magazine stories delivered directly to your inbox

SUBSCRIBE