In 1921, a massive aircraft with nine wings and eight engines prepared for flight over Italy’s Lake Maggiore. Designed to carry 100 passengers across the Atlantic, it lifted off only once. Days later, it crashed and shattered, ending one of the most ambitious aviation projects of its time.
A Dream from War’s End
Gianni Caproni, famed for his WWI bombers, aimed to lead civil aviation next. His flying boat, the Ca.60 Transaereo, was built in Sesto Calende after years of planning. With triple triplane wings and a 30-meter span, it was unlike anything ever seen.
Testing on Lake Maggiore
After weeks of setbacks, the Ca.60 made its first short flight in February 1921. It lifted steadily and landed safely. But on its second attempt, the aircraft rose too steeply, lost control, and broke apart as it hit the lake. No one was injured.
Aftermath and Abandonment
Caproni hoped to rebuild it, but rising costs and lack of support stalled progress. A few parts survive today in Italian museums. The Ca.60 never flew again, but remains one of history’s boldest experiments in early passenger aviation.
In 1921, a strange machine with nine wings and eight engines sat on the surface of Italy’s Lake Maggiore.
Built to carry 100 passengers across the Atlantic, the Caproni Ca.60 lifted off only once before crashing into the water, ending a bold aviation experiment…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/nJ4C7VtD2a
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) May 8, 2025