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Balloonist's heroics cited as global trip ends early
January 8, 1997
Web posted at: 10:15 a.m. EST (1515 GMT)
Latest developments: Voyage lasts less than a day No injuries in Algeria landing 'Hero' drops extra weight to keep craft aloft
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NEAR BECHAR, Algeria (CNN) -- British businessman Richard Branson and his two-man crew landed their huge hot air and helium balloon safely in the Algerian desert Wednesday after technical problems hours after takeoff nearly caused a mountain crash.
The landing scuttled plans to circle the Earth non-stop in 18 days.
While there was no immediate word on the cause of the problem, there was an indication the balloon may have been too heavy. "I honestly can't tell you what it (the problem) is, except that we know it's a ballast versus helium problem," project leader Mike Kendrick told reporters in London.
No injuries in Algeria landing
No injuries were reported after the 174-foot craft landed safely near Bechar, 70 kms (45 miles) inside Algeria's border with Morocco. Branson radioed that the $3 million Virgin Global Challenger was not damaged after dropping to Earth at about 25 mph.
Branson said Alex Ritchie, a last-minute replacement as a co-pilot alongside Per Lindstrand, was a "hero" who had probably saved their lives during the descent.
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'Hero' drops extra weight to keep craft aloft
He said Ritchie -- wearing a parachute -- climbed out of the capsule to release heavy fuel canisters, lightening the balloon's load so that it could rise above a mountain range
Ritchie's dramatic feat, carried out in total darkness while strapped to the side of the speeding fuselage, allowed the balloon to land safely in the Algerian desert.
Branson himself also tried to slow the descent by throwing heavy bottles food and fuel out of the fuselage door.
The balloon's ascent was driven by helium but the pilots had burners to supplement the lift. At night, helium cools -- causing the balloon to drop -- and project officials said the pilots may have been unable to brake the descent with the burners.
After touching down, the balloonists detonated explosive bolts to separate the capsule from the huge balloon, which could have dragged the capsule along.
An Algerian military helicopter was quickly on the scene and the British Embassy in Algeria confirmed the three men were safe and well after the landing at 0729 GMT. (2:29 a.m. EST).
The trio was to be taken to Bechar and then on to Algiers.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related story:
- Balloonists' goal: Around the world in 18 days - January 7, 1997
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