The first powered flight took place on December 17, 1903, conducted by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright. They achieved this milestone at Kill Devil Hills, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with their aircraft, the Wright Flyer. The flight lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet (36.5 meters), marking a significant advancement in aviation history. The success of the Wright brothers' experiments laid the foundation for modern aeronautical engineering and paved the way for future advancements in flight technology. Their innovative work ultimately transformed transportation and changed the world forever.