On November 2, 1947, American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Howard Hughes performed the maiden and only flight of the Hughes H-4 Hercules, also known as the "Spruce Goose." This massive wooden aircraft, designed and built by Hughes' aircraft company, is considered one of the largest flying boats ever built, with a wingspan of 320 feet (97.54 meters).

The Spruce Goose was originally commissioned by the U.S. government during World War II as a means to transport troops and supplies across the Atlantic Ocean, without the risk of being sunk by German submarines. However, the aircraft was not completed until after the end of the war.

On this historic day, Howard Hughes himself piloted the Spruce Goose during its first and only flight. The aircraft flew for about a mile (1.6 kilometers) at an altitude of 70 feet (21 meters) over the Los Angeles Harbor, proving that it was indeed capable of flight, despite its enormous size and weight.

The project faced criticism and skepticism due to its high cost and the unconventional use of wood as the primary construction material. The Spruce Goose never went into production and was maintained in a climate-controlled hangar until 1992, when it was transported to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, where it remains on display today.

This event solidified Howard Hughes' reputation as an ambitious aviator and innovator, adding to his already remarkable career as a successful businessman, filmmaker, and philanthropist. The flight of the Spruce Goose remains a notable moment in the history of aviation and a testament to Hughes' determination and ingenuity.