American adventurer Steve Fossett has landed safely in Australia after completing a record-setting around-the-world solo balloon flight.
After landing his “Spirit of Freedom” balloon in a remote desert area northwest of Sydney Thursday, Mr. Fossett said his quest to fly around the world alone was the most dangerous thing he had ever done.
Just a few hours before the landing, Mr. Fossett was forced to climb out of the balloon gondola to put out a propane tank fire. He carried out the dangerous maneuver while the balloon was still flying at an altitude of nearly two-point-five kilometers.
On previous attempts his balloon crash-landed in Brazil and plunged into the Coral Sea.
But the 58-year-old Chicago millionaire finally secured his place in aviation history Tuesday, when his balloon crossed the 117th line of longitude. He began his sixth attempt to set the record when he took off from Australia on June 18.
To set the record, Mr. Fossett spent nearly two weeks cramped in the small balloon gondola eating military-like rations and breathing from oxygen cylinders.
Later Thursday, Mr. Fossett is due in Sydney for a press conference. (voa)
