Steve Fossett’s Aircraft, Possible Remains Found
Thirteen months ago today, Steve Fossett took off from Baron Hilton’s ranch in Nevada to scout for dry lake beds to use as a possible test site for his next record-setting goal: the world land speed record. Tragically, he never returned from that flight. Until this week he remained missing, though declared dead in February, and neither he or his aircraft was found. This week, however, brought news that a hiker in California had found items possibly belonging to Fossett.
He had found, not far over the border between Nevada and California, Fossett’s pilot certificate, two soaring-related certificates, a pullover jacket, and a little over $1000 in cash. Once confirmed authentic by the authorities, a new search began in the area to try and find any more clues. Two days ago, they found and identified what was left of his aircraft. And yesterday, they found human remains at the crash site. These remains have been sent in for DNA analysis to see if they are indeed human, and if so, if they are those of Mr. Fossett.
Judging from the crash site and condition of the debris, the initial thoughts of the NTSB and other law enforcement are that for some reason, his aircraft impacted a hillside slightly above 10,000′ at a very high rate of speed. The cause of the crash – be it mechanical, weather, or medical related – may never be known, but I’m very confident that the highly skilled investigators of the NTSB will give everything they can to try and determine it.
While the confirmation of what everyone at this point knew was true is sad, I hope that finally finding the crash site, and possibly his remains, will bring much-needed closure to his family and friends.
Related: Steve Fossett Missing | Help Find Steve Fossett | Search Halted | Reflection
Friday, October 3rd, 2008
