Russian Adventurer Fedor Konyukhov Breaks World Hot Air Balloon Record, Lands Safely in Western Australia

02 Konyukhov landed the town of Bonnie RockSource: Australian Broadcasting Corporation – .abc.net.au

Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov has broken the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the Earth in a hot air balloon in just over 11 days, landing safely in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt.

Mr. Konyukhov, who set off from Western Australia’s Avon Valley on July 12, landed near the small town of Bonnie Rock about 4.30pm (WST).

There was concern the difficult task of landing the balloon might be problematic, but Mr. Konyukhov was able to land the craft with an hour of daylight in hand.

Fedor Konyukhov has faced freezing temperatures and rough weather in his circumnavigation of the globe.  Photo: Briana Shepherd - ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov has faced freezing temperatures and rough weather in his circumnavigation of the globe.
Photo: Briana Shepherd – ABC News

The crew had been waiting for winds to drop and to find the ideal place for the adventurer to land.

The 65-year-old has broken the 14-year-old record set by American adventurer Steve Fossett.

Mr. Fossett is the only other person to circumnavigate the world in a hot air balloon, which he completed in 13-and-a-half days.

As Mr. Konyukhov broke the record, his team on the ground let out three cheers and popped some champagne.

Mr. Konyukhov’s son Oscar described his father’s achievement as a miracle.

“As a son, I’m very proud of my father. It’s just difficult to comprehend what he just achieved,” he said.

“He completed round-the-world solo flight on the first attempt.”

The flight’s coordinator John Wallington said it was an incredible achievement.

“The objective was to get him back on the ground safely, but of course this record is just a fantastic bonus,” he said.

“To have the bravery, the courage… I don’t think there is a more capable adventurer anywhere in the world today, very few other people could have done this.”

Fellow adventurer Dick Smith said Mr Konyukhov was in “incredibly good condition” after his flight.

“The landing was exciting — the balloon got dragged along and the gondola got bashed around, and when it stopped, Fedor didn’t get straight out. I thought he was knocked out. But he was just waiting for it to be calm,” he said.

“It’s a very risky undertaking — the fact that he came right back across the northern airfields where he took off from — no one has ever done that. It’s so incredibly rare, that it’s about a one in a billion chance.

“There are so many wind currents and direction changes around the world. Steve Fossett took off in northern and ended up in Birdsville and everyone thought that was impressive.”

Konyukhov landed the hot air balloon near the small town of Bonnie Rock on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Briana Shepherd - ABC News

Konyukhov landed the hot air balloon near the small town of Bonnie Rock on Saturday afternoon.
Photo: Briana Shepherd – ABC News

Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov lands his hot air balloon safely in Western Australia's Wheatbelt. Photo: Briana Shepherd - ABC News

Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov lands his hot air balloon safely in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt.
Photo: Briana Shepherd – ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov stands amongst the crowd after landing his hot air balloon. Photo: Briana Shepherd - ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov stands amongst the crowd after landing his hot air balloon.
Photo: Briana Shepherd – ABC News

 Dick Smith (centre) and Oscar Konyukhov (r) celebrating the record. Photo: Laura Gartry - ABC News

Dick Smith (centre) and Oscar Konyukhov (r) celebrating the record.
Photo: Laura Gartry – ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov's wife Irina smiles at her husband as they celebrate his record breaking hot air balloon ride. Photo: Laura Gartry - ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov’s wife Irina smiles at her husband as they celebrate his record breaking hot air balloon ride.
Photo: Laura Gartry – ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov celebrates with his son, Oscar, after spending 11 days on a hot air balloon. Photo: Laura Gartry - ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov celebrates with his son, Oscar, after spending 11 days on a hot air balloon.
Photo: Laura Gartry – ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov's wife Irina sheds tears of happiness at hearing her husband's voice.  Photo: Laura Gartry - ABC News

Fedor Konyukhov’s wife Irina sheds tears of happiness at hearing her husband’s voice.
Photo: Laura Gartry – ABC News

Source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation – .abc.net.au

Source: News from World

Source: News from World

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