Steve Fossett missing

Ghoulish Delight · 09-05-2007, 08:17 AM

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 · 09-05-2007, 08:27 AM

DreadPirateRoberts · 09-05-2007, 08:37 AM

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 · 09-06-2007, 02:01 AM

Quote:

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 · 09-07-2007, 08:42 PM

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 · 09-08-2007, 11:10 AM

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.

Betty · 09-10-2007, 02:53 PM

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

BarTopDancer · 09-14-2007, 10:35 AM

Not looking good

Ghoulish Delight · 10-01-2008, 11:34 AM

Almost exactly a year later and a hiker near Mammoth seems to have found some of Fossett's personal items!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26976119/

$100 bills, that's so TOTALLY something he would carry! Not so sure about the measly fin, though.

Moonliner · 10-01-2008, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghoulish Delight

Almost exactly a year later and a hiker near Mammoth seems to have found some of Fossett's personal items!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26976119/

$100 bills, that's so TOTALLY something he would carry! Not so sure about the measly fin, though.

WTF?

The article I read said "Near Minaret Lake" which fit nicely with my guess that he ditched in a lake and sank. The article you linked to said the stuff was found "at an abandoned mine near Minaret Lake". What? He crashed into a mine shaft? Something smells fishy here....

Oh and you got to admire the hiker. I think I might have found an identification card with Fossett's name on it, two laminated cards, a $5 bill and pieces of clothing.

09-05-2007, 08:17 AM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Steve Fossett missing 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. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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09-05-2007, 08:27 AM	#2
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	__________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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09-05-2007, 08:37 AM	#3
DreadPirateRoberts Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,483	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.
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09-07-2007, 08:42 PM	#5
Mrs. Nesbitt Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Near DL Posts: 53	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. __________________ "One minute you're defending the whole galaxy, and, suddenly, you find yourself sucking down Darjeeling with Marie Antoinette... and her little sister"
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09-08-2007, 11:10 AM	#6
RStar Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Me & Manyard hangin out! Posts: 5,433	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. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of Dragons, for you are crunchy and good with ketchup! www.StarTownGifts.com
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09-10-2007, 02:53 PM	#7
Betty Kicking up my heels! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: The Silver State Posts: 3,783	'The 'Amazon Mechanical Turk' is an rather interesting concept. Never seen that before. __________________ Nee Stell Thue
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09-14-2007, 10:35 AM	#8
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	Not looking good __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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10-01-2008, 11:34 AM	#9
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	Almost exactly a year later and a hiker near Mammoth seems to have found some of Fossett's personal items! http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26976119/ $100 bills, that's so TOTALLY something he would carry! Not so sure about the measly fin, though. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
	Submit to Quotes