Adventurer skirts past disaster in South Pacific

ST. LOUIS -- American adventurer Steve Fossett narrowly avoided disaster Sunday when stormy weather nearly sent his around-the-world ballooning quest splashing into the south Pacific.

Bidding to become the first solo balloonist to circle the globe, Fossett and his Bud Light Spirit of Freedom had descended below 1,000 feet to duck turbulent weather above. But periodic squalls packing severe downdrafts took the balloon as low as 400 feet, perilously close to the water.

Fossett, 58, used all of his balloon's three gas burners to ascend and counter the downdrafts, keeping him out the sea well east of New Zealand.

"The margin for error was razor thin," Fossett told his mission control center at St. Louis' Washington University, describing the events as "the most crucial day" in his sixth solo around-the-world attempt, which began last Tuesday from western Australia.

At one point, Fossett told his flight center by satellite telephone that he looked to simply make it safely to South America, and that completing his quest appeared impossible.

"I couldn't sleep," Fossett added. "Although I have warning alarms, I was worried that my reaction time when a rain squall and downdraft hit would not be quick enough. So I only had two hours sleep last night, none today and the ascent back up to catch the jet stream will take half of tonight, so I'm anxious to get some sleep."

Hours later, Fossett appeared free and clear. As of Sunday evening, Fossett was cruising at 28 mph at 26,800 feet above the sea.

Since launching his mission from western Australia last Tuesday local time, Fossett has flown more than 6,000 miles. The investment tycoon from Chicago hopes to complete his flight in 15 days.

Fossett holds world records in ballooning, sailing and flying airplanes. He also swam the English Channel in 1985.

Fossett's five earlier solo attempts ended with crash-landings in spots such as the Coral Sea and a Brazilian cattle ranch. But last summer's cattle ranch landing still came after 12 days in flight, making it the longest-ever solo balloon flight.