http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Pearse

Perhaps another instance of a tree falling when no one is there to hear it. As I said earlier, I believe that in the end, it boils down to how "first flight" is defined...and who does the defining. The Wrights seem to have gotten more of the right pieces together at the right time so, I suppose, the prize "rightly" goes to them.

A good quote from the article:

"Unconcerned about posterity and in remote New Zealand, he received no public credit for his work during his lifetime....Although Pearse patented his design, his innovations — such as ailerons and the lightweight air-cooled engine — did not succeed in influencing others."

There have been numerous instances in the history of science and invention of some break-through in thought or action having taken place but the circumstances and quirks of fate were not properly aligned for it to be acknowledged.