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)
I can only assume it’s deflating. Hopefully not too fast.
No, it's helium.
Very imbalanced, though.
Yes.
Where's 0bama Superhero when you need him?
I keep catching my breath, because it keeps tilting !
This would be a job for Joe Jennings, that guy who does the extreme skydiving stunts for movies. He dives with grand pianos, etc.
The balloon is a slow-moving platform compared to a plane, and a copter might just blow it away. But an absolute lunatic with no fear and one of those wing suits could freefall to the ropes.
I hope this turns out well. Remember, Lawnchair Larry survived at least 11,000 feet in jeans and Tshirt.
[send in paratroopers from a helicopter.]
I’ve been thinking that but wonder if they would be able to get them right over it as fast as it’s going.
I just heard the same thing — can you believe they would have it in their backyard. Also a very weak box underneath where the boy is at.
The temperatures plummet as you ascend into the atmosphere. I wouldn’t be surprised if the temperature at 8,000 feet is at or near freezing, even if it’s 70 degrees on the ground.
You are correct - looks just like the ship on Lost in Space doesn’t it?
1000ft AGL
1/4 of the saucer is now deflated
The craft has been holding it’s present altitude since reaching ‘cruise’ altitude. So far so good.
Hang on tight little big man.
Go to heck. It was just an observation.
Nope. Helium.
It is on its way down, apparently.
I pray it's not coming down too quickly.
Its rocking like crazy, they claim is coming down. You can see it tilting and going lower.
If the kid did in fact get on board, and dies or died as a result, mom and dad are responsible for his death and should be charged.
My bet would have been 2k,,,but news geeks are still saying 8k....Sure don’t look like it.
its just meant to hover over a store or something?
By which you mean, anywhere but the Llano Estacado, right?
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