Per Lindstrand, Alex Ritchie, Rory are the names of members of the balloon crew. Richard and Per plan to leave in mid-January from Miyakonojo at 2:30 in the morning. At 23,000 feet they hit the bottom of the jet stream and get into it at 100 knots. When they release one empty fuel tank, three on one side of the capsule fall as well and they soar to 38,000 feet and on up to 42,500 feet before they stop ascending. The radio contact unexpectedly cuts out for six hours. Their only chance for survival is to remain in the core of the jet stream for thirty hours. Eventually radio contact is restored and they are instructed to descend immediately before the jet stream bends back. They fly for thirty-six hours when they cross the northern Canada coast headed for an Arctic blizzard. The capsule hits land on a lake surrounded by trees while the released balloon ends in the trees. They are rescued by helicopter after waiting in the capsule for eight hours. The helicopters take them to meet with their family in Yellowknife.
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