SAN DIEGO — A renowned British balloonist and scientist who set 79 world ballooning records died after a balloon-related accident in Southern California, authorities and family members said. San Diego County sheriff’s officials said deputies responded Sunday following reports that two people were injured after the aircraft landed near Palomar Mountain. Among Nott’s records is reaching an altitude of 55,000 feet (16,764 metres) in a hot air balloon. The FAI website also lists dozens of Nott’s other world records for feats of altitude, distance and time aloft. ——Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune, http://www.utsandiego.com

Source: National Post March 29, 2019 03:00 UTC