Adventurer goes around world in 11 days

Russian balloonist sets record for circling globe nonstop in aircraft

CANBERRA, Australia — A cold and exhausted 65-year-old Russia n balloonist came back to Earth with a bruising thud in the Australian Outback on Saturday after claiming a new record by flying solo around the world nonstop in 11 days, officials said.

Fedor Konyukhov landed 100 miles east of Northam, where he started his journey on July 12, about three hours after he flew over the same town on his return, flight coordinator John Wallington said.

“He’s landed, he’s safe, he’s sound, he’s happy,” Wallington said from the landing site. “It’s just amazing.”

“It’s fantastic — the record’s broken, everyone’s safe. It’s all good,” he added.

Konyukhov’s gondola — a carbon box 6 feet, 7 inches high, 6 feet, 7 inches long and 5 feet, 11 inches wide — bounced twice over 200 yards in an empty field and tipped on its side before the support crew grabbed it to prevent the deflating balloon from dragging it farther, crew member Steve Griffin said.

“He’s got a bruise on his cheek, but he’s pretty well unscathed,” Griffin said.

Video of the landing showed Konyukhov smiling but silent as he emerged from the gondola. He stroked his bearded left cheek and wiped his eyes as he was hugged and cheered by supporters.

Konyukhov flew by helicopter back to Northam, where his first shower in 11 days was a priority, Griffin said.

MORTON VIA AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE The hot-air balloon named “Morton,” which is flown by Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov, takes to the skies July 12 for a round-the-world trip from Northam in Western Australia. Konyukhov claims a new record flying solo around the world in 11 days.