Tex Johnston, the test pilot on that flight, did that off his own back and left president of Boeing fuming as it really wasn't part of the plan. I believe they

Tex Johnston, the test pilot on that flight, did that off his own back and left president of Boeing fuming as it really wasn't part of the plan. I believe they fired him for it - though then hired him back after 24 hours and the realisation that it was a stunning piece of advertising. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/60-years-ago-the-famous-boeing-707-barrel-roll-over-lake-washington/ https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/60-years-ago-the-f...