While test flying a 707 with Boeing executives, a pilot unexpectedly did a barrel roll. He said he was ‘selling airplanes.’

The Boeing 707 is a mid-size, four engine jet airliner built between 1958 and 1979. It has a capacity of 140 to 189 passengers. It was used for domestic, transcontinental, and transatlantic flights. It was also used for cargo and military applications.

Tex Johnson was a test pilot for the Boeing 707 and a ballsy one at that. He did a barrel roll with the Boeing 707 without previously telling the Boeing executives. When his boss rightfully asked what the hell he was doing, Johnson said “Selling airplanes.”

He showed off what the Boeing 707 could really do. Johnson wasn’t fired over the maneuver either. Boeing produced and delivered 1,011 airliners including the smaller 720 series; over 800 military versions were also produced.

As of August 2011, 10 Boeing 707s were in airline service. By August 2012, this number was down to two. Both of them are located in Iran for military purposes.

(Source)