On this day in 1809, Jean-Pierre Blanchard, who made the first successful balloon crossing of the English Channel, died in Paris. Cause of death were injuries sustained after falling from a balloon during a demonstration in the Netherlands.

Pioneering Stunt Man. Blanchard (1753-1809) was one of the most skillful of the pioneering balloonists. He flew for fame and money, the first great aerial showman and stunt man.

Frustrated Inventor. Blanchard was a mechanic and, at the age of 16, invented the velociped, an early form of the bicycle. Fascinated with flight, he studied birds to learn the secrets of aviation. The result: the visseau volant or "flying vessel," a totally impractical "aeroplane." Accepting its failure, Blanchard turned his attention to the newly invented gas balloon.

Ballooning Capitol Of The World! Since France was the ballooning capital of the world, the competition was stiff. So Blanchard moved to England and convinced a group of wealthy patrons to sponsor him.

Partner & Patron. Together with one of his benefactors, Dr. John Jeffries, an American living in England, Blanchard planned the first aerial crossing of the English Channel. Blanchard needed Jeffries to pay for the expedition, but didn't want him along for the ride or the glory.

Prepare to Dive. Jeffries insisted. He even signed a contract stating that, if necessary for the success of the flight, he would dive overboard.

The White Cliffs Of Dover. On January 7, 1785, Blanchard's balloon was transported to a Dover cliff for launching. At the last minute, Blanchard claimed the balloon was overweight and Jeffries could not come. The weight problem turned out to be a lead belt Blanchard was wearing.

Drop Your Belts And Climb Aboard. Blanchard got rid of the belt. Then Blanchard and Jeffries climbed into the balloon's carriage and up they went.

Up, Up, And Er... A weak wind blew them slowly toward France, but eight miles out the balloon began to descend over the chilly Channel. Blanchard and Jeffries tried to lighten their load, tossing things overboard. They continued to sink until the balloon carriage bounced on the waters.

A Bad Day. Unfortunately neither of the men could swim. With the French coast in sight, Jeffries climbed into the rigging, while Blanchard screamed at him to come down. A mere five feet above the water, they threw ropes, anchors, silk-covered oars they believed could be used to row through the air... When the balloon failed to rise, Blanchard tossed away his clothes.

Setting Limits? Jeffries said he would rather drown than face the French in the nude. But as they neared the waves, Jeffries thought better of it and tossed his clothes overboard, too.

A Little Lift. As they neared the French coast they were lifted by a warm current and crossed into France, becoming the first men to fly the Channel.

More Lift. But now they were climbing skywards and had thrown out their landing ropes. Jeffries slowed the balloon by grabbing on to trees. When they floated to a clearing, Blanchard released the gas from the balloon, which sank safely to the ground.

Mission Accomplished. After being loaned clothes, the men were greeted by cheering crowds.

First Air Mail Letter. Although they had jettisoned their mail bag, Jeffries stuffed one letter addressed to Temple Franklin, Benjamin Franklin's grandson, into his underwear. This was the first airmail letter.