Sydney, July 03: US adventurer Steve Fossett faced another night in his balloon over Australia today as high winds delayed a safe descent following his historic solo circumnavigation of the globe. His mission control in St Louis, Missouri, said weather conditions were frustrating efforts to find a safe landing site and he was unlikely to be able to land at dusk today as had been planned.

The Chicago tycoon with a passion for records on land, sea and in the sky set yet another as he steered the towering spirit of freedom across longitude 117 degrees east, crossing the line south of where he launched his bid 13 days earlier at Northam in western Australia.

COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Fossett, 58, officially crossed the line at 1810 IST, but did not make landfall until he entered Australian airspace above Ceduna in south Australia some 15 hours later. He must land safely before his record is officially recognised and it was hoped he may be able to descend around Roxby downs in the south Australian outback at dusk, around 1130 IST today.

But the state weather bureau warned high winds would prevent him landing today and a dawn landing at Coober Pedy in south Australia's northwest was being considered.

"Mission control are now looking towards a landing tomorrow morning, probably at or near Coober Pedy," forecaster Michael Bassanelli said.

However, it was also suggested Fossett may be forced to fly northeast towards Queensland, with a dawn landing possible near the western new South Wales city of broken hill.
Bureau Report