A SENSATIONAL BALLOON VOYAGE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7507, 15 September 1902, Page 2

A SENSATIONAL BALLOON VOYAGE.

AN AWFUL EXPERIENCE. A note in a recent number of the "British Journal of Photography " gives a brief account of a balloon voyage of a very uncomfortable nature that was made by Dr Miethe in company with Lieutenant Hildsbrandt. The acdount, which is taken from the " Photographisches Wochenblatt," states that the ascent was mad© at Tegel in the afternoon, at three o'clqck, and the balloon came to earth at half-past six between Nieder-Finow and Liepe. At the ascent the balloon passed first through a mist, and then suddenly into a thunder-cloud. . After attaining a height of 200 metres, the balloon was suddenly carried to an altitude of 2000 metres, and then as suddenly fell half that distance. Meanwhile the storm was proceeding, but although the travellers did not see the lightning they were deafened with the thunder, and pelted with rain, hail and sleet. In their rapid leaps and plunges the car was frequently on a level with the balloon, and the tow-rope above their 'heads. The violent rocking of the «ar also -added' to the danger. Watches, i were not thought of, but according to the barograph this frightful experience must have lasted 1 half an hour, when 4 through loss of gas pressure, thej balloon fell from a 'heig-ht of 2200 metres upon;. a dense wood of 'beeches, but for which the travellers would: probably have lost their lives. One of them descended by the rope, and obtained help from the villagers at Liepe.