No charges over out-of-control balloon

Prosecutors decided to abandon investigations against a young man whose zeppelin-like aircraft travelled across Europe without permission.

The art student lost control of the balloon during a presentation in Linz, Upper Austria, last May. The 40-metre long aircraft reached an altitude of over 14,000 metres when it flew across the Austrian-Slovenian border. It was spotted in Greece before it disappeared.

The Austrian army sent out fighter jets to monitor the pilotless object and report its location to aviation safety authority Austro Control. The institution explained already last month that the balloon’s flight posed no danger to humans or other aircraft at any time. However, its creator feared being asked to foot the army’s bill. Military officials said they decided not to ask him for financial compensation.

State prosecutors announced yesterday (Thurs) investigations into the incident were finished as they had agreed with Austro Control considering a possible threat to public safety.