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MAYDAY CALL AS GLOBALFLYER BREAKS RECORD

GlobalFlyer

Steve Fossett has broken the record for the longest flight in aviation history, but spectators at Kent International Airport at Manston failed to see the dramatic finish.

Generator problems caused Steve, 61, to divert back to Bournemouth after flying over Swindon at 35,000feet on the path for a landing at Manston.

He avoided having to ditch his craft although he did issue a mayday call.

Fossett brought the GlobalFlyer down safely just after 5.00pm GMT but with limited visibility, two tyres burst upon landing.

Ground control said he broke the distance record of 24,987 miles (40,210 kilometres), set in 1986, when he flew over Shannon in Ireland.

After a medical check-up, he then flew from Bournemouth to Manston, arriving just after 6.30pm in his private jet with project sponsor, Sir Richard Branson.

Fossett said: "It was a difficult flight. I was lucky to make it to the end."

He said he realised it was a serious situation when the generator light went on, prompting him and his ground crew to begin emergency procedures.