Posted on 10/15/2009 11:45:55 AM PDT by Arec Barrwin
Rescuers are tracking and chasing a "homemade flying saucer" that is in flight with a 6-year-old, by himself, on board.
The incident started this morning in Fort Collins when the boy got into the balloon-like device, which was built by an adult, and it came loose from a tether, according to the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.
The contraption could rise as high as 10,000 feet, the sheriff's office said.
The home-made flying saucer was last seen in flight over Weld County.
The sheriff's office is working the Federal Aviation Administration to determine how to best get the boy down.
The homemade airplane was tethered in Fort Collins when the boy got onboard and it floated away. (Lisa Ecklund via 9News)
The six-year-old boy was by himself on board the hommade aircraft. (Courtesy Lisa Ecklund, via 9News)
The craft could fly as high as 10,000 feet, according to the Weld County Sheriff's Office. (Lisa Ecklund via 9News)
They said it was helium,not hot air.
They are saying it is moving very fast — my guess is the winds. Wonder how fast it is moving. Now saying it could go on for a day or two — eventually it will come down according to Tom Jones a former astronaut and fighter pilot.
Did I just hear the caller tell Shep this thing is riding on HELIUM???
It’s not a hoax that the thing is flying around.
I suspect a hoax that a human being is on board.
Hope he turns up elsewhere.
It is a helium balloon. Helium will leak slowly, but they don’t know how long it will take to come down on its own.
But there is nothing there he could hit!
It’s not a hoax, we’re looking at it on live television.
It’s a helium balloon. One of the fancy shaped ones, like a flying saucer.
Is this above ground level or mean sea level?
Actual or sea level?
Then three or four nets should do it. Get them from the Air Force or FedEx. It would take some expert chopper flying but wouldn’t it be worth a shot?
I feel the same, and i hope we are right. I would think there would be a buldge on the bottom from the weight of a child. Is a 20ft dia balloon capable of lifting 30-40lbs?
That wouldn't be so bad, as long as it's a good part of Texas.
I really believe you are right. Remember how much trouble they had on myth busters. Not sure how big this one is though, could be bigger than it looks
That’s what I am afraid of. :(
The news people are all over the road...Were saying saucer was heading into the plains of eastern CO towards Kansas, now saying saucer is heading towards metro Denver.
Ping devolve, if you haven’t seen this!
The older brother saw him get into the craft...BUT they're not sure if the child is still in there or FELL out at some point..
sw
The basket is inside the balloon, and ‘not attached very well’ according to a police woman who spoke with the family.
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