Aleksandr Fedorovich Mozhaisky studied bird flight from 1856, and after prolonged model tests built large monoplane with rectangular wing 3,800 sq ft and 2 steam engines, 1 driving tractor nose propeller and other driving lateral propellers. Vast literature fails to record precise date (probably in August 1884) that he attempted to fly on military field at Krasnoye Selo near St Petersburg. First aeroplane to lift man off ground, but wrecked by uncontrolled roll to left. Died with more advanced aircraft incomplete.