August 16, 1960

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Joel Byers

On This Date in TWISTED-HISTORY.com in 1960 the free-fall world record was set by Joseph Kittinger. He fell more than 16 miles (about 88,000 feet) and reached a speed of 614 mph before opening his parachute over New Mexico. He plummeted through the air for 4 minutes and 36 seconds before his parachute was deployed. It should also be noted that a person cannot scream continuously for 276 seconds, the mechanics of breathing will take over.

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About Joel Byers

Born in North Georgia and educated at some very fine public institutions. Real education started after graduating from college and then getting married and raising two boys. Has the ability to see the funny and absurd in most things and will always remark on it, even if it means getting the stink-eye from his victims.
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One Response to August 16, 1960

  1. Vicarious Extreme Sports Enthusiast says:
    August 17, 2014 at 2:53 am

    Jump out of an airplane and they call it “Extreme Sports”. Throw someone out of an airplane and they call it “Murder”. Double standard, if you ask me.

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