WWI Ace Willy Coppens’ Impossible Balloon Landing Feat

Belgian aviator Willy Coppens, known as a “Balloon Buster,” achieved remarkable feats during World War I, paving the way for modern aerial warfare. Coppens financed his own flying lessons in England before training in France. He specialized in attacking German observation balloons, a perilous task requiring incendiary rounds fired at close range. These balloons were filled with flammable hydrogen gas, making them volatile targets. Coppens developed a unique method of engaging these balloons by targeting their mooring cables. He would shoot the cables, causing the balloon to ascend rapidly. In a truly astonishing maneuver, Coppens flew his Hanriot HD. 1 fighter directly over a rising balloon. He then landed his aircraft on top of the massive gas bag, forcing it to descend rapidly toward the ground. After this daring stunt, he re-engaged his engines and took off again. This unusual tactic contributed to his record of 37 kills against German observation balloons, making him history’s most successful Balloon Buster. He accomplished all his victories flying the HD. 1, a capable though not top-tier WWI fighter. Coppens’ daring and innovative approach set him apart among the war’s legendary aviators.