Read a book about an ex SAS man who was mad on skydiving and tried to break this record. It details a lot about Joe Kittinger and they met up to
discuss the many complications of the attempt but he failed in the end. Can't remember why now but I know he started suffering from mental health
issues and eventually stabbed his girlfriend who survived.
A year or so later I heard he'd decided to end his life and jumped out of a plane without his parachute. Great book, pity I can't remember
the title it's packed in the garage somewhere.
IIRC Joe Kittinger reached a speed of over 600mph jumping from 106,000feet ,although I thought had a drogue chute to help with stability. Highest I ever jumped was 19,000 feet from the back of a Hercules in Belgium
Yeah I heard he was the first guy to break the sound barrier without the aid of a plane. That must have been something in itself!
quote:
Originally posted by mistergrumpy
Read a book about an ex SAS man who was mad on skydiving and tried to break this record. It details a lot about Joe Kittinger and they met up to discuss the many complications of the attempt but he failed in the end. Can't remember why now but I know he started suffering from mental health issues and eventually stabbed his girlfriend who survived.
A year or so later I heard he'd decided to end his life and jumped out of a plane without his parachute. Great book, pity I can't remember the title it's packed in the garage somewhere.