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The original was posted on /r/todayilearned by /u/JackThaBongRipper on 2024-11-16 20:49:59+00:00.

Original Title: TIL that during World War 1, Belgian pilot Willy Coppens came under fire from an enemy observation ballon during an attack run. In response he landed his plane on top of the ballon and turned off his engine. When the ballon descended he slid off and flew away.