Gordon Bennett Cup: The Mystery of the Missing Balloon

In the 1995 Gordon Bennett Cup, American pilots Mike Wallace and Kevin Brielmann pushed the boundaries of hot air ballooning, embarking on a record-breaking flight. Collaborating closely with another US team, they expertly navigated air currents, soaring over Poland and into Belarus. However, their journey took a dramatic turn when a Belarusian military helicopter made aggressive passes, ultimately silencing their radio communications and leaving their fate unknown. The story highlights the thrilling skill and danger of long-distance ballooning, and unexpectedly intertwines the sport with the complexities of international politics.