Friday, April 21, 2023

A Cluster Ballooning Fatality on This Day in History

 

This day in history: Adelir Antônio de Carli, a Brazilian Catholic priest and sky diver, undertook a cluster balloon flight on this day in 2008. The intention was to break the previous endurance records for ballooning, and to raise funds for charity. After taking off in a chair attached to 1,000 balloons, Carli reached an altitude of 19,700 ft before losing contact with authorities. 

On July 4, 2008, the lower half of a human body was found floating on the ocean surface by an offshore oil rig support vessel. After the remains were initially identified from the clothing as those belonging to Carli, DNA tests confirmed they were his on July 29, 2008 after a comparison was made with DNA samples from Carli's brother.

Cluster ballooning is a form of ballooning where a harness attaches a balloonist to a cluster of helium-inflated rubber balloons.

Unlike traditional hot-air balloons, where a single large balloon is equipped with vents enabling altitude control, cluster balloons are multiple, small, readily available and individually sealed balloons. To control flight, arrest a climb or initiate a descent, the pilot incrementally jettisons or deflates balloons. Ballast, e.g., bottled water, can also be jettisoned to facilitate ascent.



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