Balloonist gets that sinking feeling
The 45-year-old balloonist, mountaineer and polar explorer from Wiltshire is hoping to beat five records including the solo world distance record of 5,340km (3,337.5 miles) for the helium and hot-air balloon type on the dangerous crossing.
The moonlight launch from Allegheny County airport near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, almost had the worst of starts when his balloon, carrying an open wicker basket, came within 10 feet of crashing just seconds after lift-off.
