Originally shared by Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Today in 1927: Charles Lindbergh set a new transcontinental speed record when he completed a flight from San Diego to New York in 21 hours, 40 minutes in the “Spirit of St. Louis.” During the flight, a crack developed in the aluminum behind the propeller, forcing replacement of the propeller spinner and nose cone prior to departing on his historic solo transatlantic flight on May 20, 1927. Both nose cones are on display at the Museum in Washington, DC: http://bit.ly/1mfXQI4