East Germany balloon escape
east-germany-balloon-escape-1753052111902-c980d9
Description
On 16 September 1979, eight people from two families escaped from East Germany by crossing the border into West Germany at night in a homemade hot air balloon. The unique feat was the result of over a year and a half of preparations involving three different balloons, various modifications, and a first, unsuccessful attempt. The failed attempt alerted the East German authorities to the plot, but the police were unable to identify the escapees before their second, successful flight two months later.
ID: east-germany-balloon-escape-1753052111902-c980d9
