Rocket Piled Chair 
2003 Reader Submission
Pending Acceptance
I haven't read a story in the Darwin Awards more deserving of a Darwan that this nomination for a Historical Darwin.
The Apollo program may have been the 1st successful mission to the moon, but it wasn't the 1st attempt.
Around the year 1500 the Chinese Wan Hoo had 47 black-powder rockets attached to a sedan chair and ignited at the same time by 47 servants. He was not seen again.
If this act of stupidity isn't deserving of a Darwin Award I don't know what is.
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Source: A Golden Guide(R) "Exploring Space; a Guide to the Exploration of the Universe" by Mark R. Chartrand. Illustrated by Ron Miller. Copyright 1991 Western Publishing Company.
Note: There is an illustration of Wan Hoo's rocket flying chair on page 10 of the book.
Please let me know what you think of it and if you've heard the tale before.
I suppose I should add the author's credentials. The author is a Phd, has
been the executive director of the National Space Society, and in addition
to teaching at several universities, he is widely published in science
magazines, and has appeared frequently on TV and radio. His colleagues
include some of the most distinguished astronomers in the US. Since, the
issue was veracity, I hope this will clear up the confusion.
Submitted on 06/17/2002
Submitted by:
Dan Shaffer
Reference:
Exploring Space",Chartrand 91'
Copyright © 2002 DarwinAwards.com
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