Wind blamed for Fossett crash
2009-07-10 07:21
Washington - US government safety officials say downdrafts were the probable cause of the air crash that killed entrepreneur Steve Fossett nearly two years ago.
Fossett gained worldwide fame for setting records in high-tech balloons, gliders, jets and boats. He was the first person to circle the world solo in a balloon.
The National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday that it has determined Fossett's plane struck mountainous terrain near Mammoth Lakes, California, after an encounter with downdrafts that exceeded the ability of his Bellanca 8KCAB-180 plane to recover through climbing.
Fossett, 63, disappeared in September 2007 after taking off from a ranch owned by hotel magnate Barron Hilton for what was supposed to be a short pleasure flight.
- AP