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Russian Adventurer Sets New Round-The-World Hot Air Balloon Record


Russian adventurer Fyodor Konyukhov is attempting to break the world record for a solo hot-air balloon flight around the globe.
Russian adventurer Fyodor Konyukhov is attempting to break the world record for a solo hot-air balloon flight around the globe.

Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov broke the record for the fastest round-the-world flight in a hot air balloon, landing safely in Western Australia.

Konyukhov landed 160 kilometers east of the town of Northam, where he started his journey on July 12.

Crews in six helicopters followed the balloon inland to help him land.

Flight coordinator John Wallington said he landed about three hours after he flew over the spot on his return.

The journey has taken just over 11 days, faster than the previous 13-day record set by late American businessman Steve Fossett in 2002.

Fyodor Konyukhov, 65, was flying his 184-foot balloon from Australia to above New Zealand, across the Pacific Ocean, South America, the Cape of Good Hope and the Southern Ocean.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP

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