Russian adventurer Fedor Konyukhov has landed safely in a field on a private property in West Australia after setting a world record for circumnavigating the world solo in a hot air balloon.
The 64-year-old Konyukhov emerged from the balloon’s gondola after more than 11 days aloft expressing his appreciation for the smell of the Earth and “how wonderful it is,” according to millionaire businessman and fellow aviator Dick Smith, who was on hand to assist with the landing.
Konyukhov, who embarked on his epic journey from Northam in Western Australia on July 12, set the record of just over 11 days when he passed above the township 100 kilometers northeast of Perth, Australian national broadcaster ABC reported earlier. (Reuters)
