The Hughes H-4 Hercules, nicknamed the 'Spruce Goose', flew only once for one mile (1.6 km), and 70 feet (21 m) above the water, with Howard Hughes at the controls. This event took place after Hughes was summoned to testify before the Senate War Investigating Committee to explain why the H-4 development had been so troubled. The flight was a symbol of Hughes' determination and engineering prowess.
