Now solar plane is forced down

THE solar-powered plane on a round-theworld trip made an unscheduled stop in Japan yesterday because of bad weather.

Solar Impulse 2 was supposed to cover the 5,079 miles from Nanjing in China to Hawaii without a break.

But technicians told the Swiss pilot Andre Borschberg he would have to stop off in Nagoya after they spotted a bad weather pattern. The plane, which is covered in 17,000 solar cells, relies on favourable winds and cloud-free skies.

Elke Neumann, of the Solar Impulse project, said the pilot’s safety was the main concern. She added: ‘We are a little bit sad, because everything’s functioning perfectly. The batteries are charging, there’s enough sun, the pilot is in good health.’

The 22,000-mile journey started in March in Abu Dhabi and has taken in Oman, India, Burma and China. The Nanjing to Hawaii leg was due to take six days with Mr Borschberg, 62, taking 20-minute naps.