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Branson Wants Google Earth in Fossett Search

Satellite images could hold clues to aviator's disappearance

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 5, 2007 2:06 PM CDT

(Newser) – Richard Branson said today he hopes to use Google Earth in the search for missing aviator Steve Fossett, whose small plane disappeared Monday over Nevada. The British billionaire and flying enthusiast wants to see if Google's satellite photos show where Fossett might have been heading, Reuters reports, and whether there were atmospheric disturbances that might have forced him down.

"We're worried (about) the fact that there's been no emergency beacon," said Branson, who called Fossett the world's greatest aviator. "He could be injured, which means the emergency services have just got to get to him as soon as possible." The search resumed today for Fossett, who was scouting sites for an attempt to break the world land speed record.

Steve Fossett, right, is kissed by Richard Branson after landing safely after declaring an emergency following a loss of electrical power at Bournemouth, England, in this Feb 11, 2006, file photo. A small plane carrying Fossett has been missing since Monday night, federal officials said Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2007. Fossett,...
Steve Fossett, right, is kissed by Richard Branson after landing safely after declaring an emergency following a loss of electrical power at Bournemouth, England, in this Feb 11, 2006, file photo. A small...   (Associated Press)
Sir Richard Branson arrives for the Service of Thanksgiving for Diana, Princess of Wales, at the Guards' Chapel, in London, Friday Aug. 31, 2007. Princess Diana's family gathered Friday to solemnly mark the 10th anniversary of her death, while admirers tied scores of bouquets, poems and portraits to the gates...
Sir Richard Branson arrives for the Service of Thanksgiving for Diana, Princess of Wales, at the Guards' Chapel, in London, Friday Aug. 31, 2007. Princess Diana's family gathered Friday to solemnly mark...   (Associated Press)
(AP Photo/Google Earth)
(AP Photo/Google Earth)   (Associated Press)
Map locates take off location of Steve Fossett's plane in Nevada; 1c x 1 7/8 inches; 46.5 mm x 47.6 mm
Map locates take off location of Steve Fossett's plane in Nevada; 1c x 1 7/8 inches; 46.5 mm x 47.6 mm   (Associated Press)
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