Steve Fossett Missing

Steve FossettFossett’s single-engine vanished Monday as he was scouting dry lake beds in western Nevada, apparently to set a world land speed record.
“Steve is a tough old boot. I suspect he is waiting by his plane right now for someone to pick him up,” said Sir Richard Branson, who has helped finance many of Fossett’s adventures. “Based on his track record, I feel confident we’ll get some good news soon.”

The plane a Bellanca Citabria Super Decathlon, tail number N240R registered to the “Flying M Hunting Club, Inc”, carried a locator that sends a satellite signal after a rough landing, but no such signal had been received.

An aerial search Tuesday that included 14 aircraft conducted grid searches over 7,500 square miles but intended to concentrate on 600 square miles when the search resumes.

Stephen Fossett is an American aviator, sailor and adventurer known for his appetite for setting world records. Fossett is best known for his five world record nonstop circumnavigations of the Earth: as a long-distance solo balloonist, as a sailor, and as a solo airplane pilot. Fossett has set 116 records in five different sports, 76 of which still stand.

Fossett took off alone Monday morning from an private airstrip, owned by Barron Hilton, near Carson City. He took off with enough fuel for four to five hours of flight. A Federal Aviation Administration spokesperson noted that Fossett apparently did not file a flight plan. A friend reported him missing when he didn’t return.

Source: ABCnews

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4 thoughts on “Steve Fossett Missing”

  1. Can anyone tell me why Steve was flying the equivalent of a model T Ford into Tiger country when he obviously has the resources to obtain any aircraft that he desired, please don’t try to tell me how strong stable maneuverable forgiving & agile this good old plane is, I know they are a nice old aircraft to fly, the operative word being old!!!! the airframe was designed in the 1920s ( OK they now have an aluminum main spar ) and the engine that powers it was on the drawing board not long after, In 21st century terms the aircraft has the aerodynamics of a SWB Toyota Landcruser and an engine that would be more at home in a 1948 VW mmmmm cable brakes & 180hp maybe not, but I am sure you get my point.

    What is going on ??? why is this rubbish still being produced ??? Cessna is still pumping out 172s 182s etc is that the best they can come up with after 60 years!!!!!, god help us!!! most of the equipment and systems found in light aircraft at most airports/fields was designed pre 1960 you would not even consider fitting any of it to your car at any price, but pilots are expected to operate this antiquated machinery in Tiger country.

    Please don’t get me wrong I think steve is a extraordinary aviator in my book he is right up there with the best of the best, I hope to god he is sitting under the wing right now wondering how long before the cavalry arrive, and possibly pondering on how to rectify all of the above.

  2. The Cessna 172 is a great airplane, that’s why they haven’t changed the design of it. The 172 is the most popular flight training aircraft you can find. There is nothing wrong with this aircraft. If you ask any pilot they will tell you how wonderful a Cessna 172 is.

  3. Owen, you arrogant, condescending sophisticate. Even a 2008 business jet can be flown into the side of the mountain. Pilot error has nothing to do with what plane you are piloting.