The first successful powered flight occurred in 1903, conducted by the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur. They flew their aircraft, the Flyer, for 12 seconds over a distance of 120 feet at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This historic event marked the beginning of the aviation era and set the stage for future advancements in aeronautics. Their innovative work laid the foundation for modern flight and revolutionized transportation and travel worldwide.