Steve Fossett missing

[Ghoulish Delight]

I know this isn't technically the right forum for this post, but it seemed to be most fitting none the less.

Steve Fossett, the first man to travel around the globe solo in a hot air balloon, and the first man to fly around the world non stop in an airplane, went missing yesterday. Ironically, it was during a very pedestrian flight in his single engine plane, scouting locations for a planned attempt to break the land speed record. He had not filed a flight plan, so the search for him is not going well.

In an age where any one of us can book a flight with relative ease that can take us half way around the world, Fossett hasn't enjoyed quite the level of public amazement that the likes of Lindbergh or Earhart did. But I've always followed his adventures. I like to imagine that were I filthy stinking rich as he and his benefactors (such as Richard Branson) are, I'd do the things he's done, or something similar. I've always wished that I could have been witness to the excitement that the early days of aviation brought, and Fossett's and Branson's endeavors have been the closest to that in modern times.

He's a resourceful guy for sure, I wouldn't count him out yet with only a day of searching. But if he is not found alive, it will be a shame.

[BarTopDancer]

[DreadPirateRoberts]

He is truly a modern day adventurer. He also set records with his 125 foot catamaran "Cheyenne". As a glider pilot, he will have more experience than most in a dead stick landing if he had engine trouble. He is familiar with the area, so I hope he landed safely, and is found soon.

[NickO'Time]

Originally Posted by DreadPirateRoberts

He is truly a modern day adventurer. He also set records with his 125 foot catamaran "Cheyenne". As a glider pilot, he will have more experience than most in a dead stick landing if he had engine trouble. He is familiar with the area, so I hope he landed safely, and is found soon.

This post and GD's feelings and obeservations I totally agree with! He is the last of the great adventurers that continue to push the envelope, so to speak.
I too hope he is just stuck somewhere safe and he is found.

[Mrs. Nesbitt]

This is unfortunate news. I have had the pleasure of meeting him twice. He is from Garden Grove and his parents were clients of my travel agency for years. I will hold out hope that he is found.

[RStar]

Yes, this is sad. He also graduated from Garden Grove High School, where my wife worked for twelve years, and where my daughter attended. He is a home town hero, I pray he is okay.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Over at the Steve Fossett website, I learned that they are using volunteers on the internet to search satellite images. If you are interested, here's the link

Internet satellite image analysis: 'The 'Amazon Mechanical Turk' internet-based satellite image analysis project continues in its efforts to find Steve. To offer your help, please go to:

http://www.mturk.com/mturk/preview?g...21T60&kw=Flash

There you will be shown sample images of a similar aircraft and an actual recent single satellite image to review. You will be asked to note if there are any objects that resemble an airplane (or a damaged airplane) like the Super Decathlon Steve was flying on Monday. Please file your report through Amazon Mechanical Turk - they will vet and cross reference your findings and contact us if information is pertinant.

[Alex]

Does anybody remember if a similar tactic produced anything productive on that missing sailor north of SF last year?

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Alex

Does anybody remember if a similar tactic produced anything productive on that missing sailor north of SF last year?

You are thinking of Jim Gray. He was never found.

[Betty]

'The 'Amazon Mechanical Turk' is an rather interesting concept. Never seen that before.