An Austrian balloon pilot has succeeded in taking a balloon deep underground, a feat which he believes is a world first.
Ivan Trifonov, 70, managed to descend into Mamet Cave, on Velebit Mountain in Croatia, before ascending back above ground. The cave is 675ft deep with a 200ft opening at the top. The flight took around 25 minutes to complete, using a balloon especially designed for the stunt. Instead of a basket Trifinov sat in a small steel frame, perched above twin gas tanks.
The trip is being reviewed by Guinness World Records to verify that it is a new record (Trifonov figures it is). Of course, the boundaries of this cave are very difficult to maneuver for just about any pilot, so if verified, this world record will probably stand for quite a while.
But even if it isn't confirmed, Trifonov already has four world records to his name, including having been the first to balloon over both of the Earth's poles, the Mediterranean Sea, Jerusalem, the Great Wall of China, and the Kremlin. What's more, Trifonov accomplished his balloon-spelunking mission at the age of 70.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
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