Flight report Flt2006C

We launched our flight from Wyandot County Airport at 10:47 EDT, and were able to track it through most of the flight on the 70 cm system. The Balloon burst at 93619 ft, but we lost GPS lock at 28000 on the decent. We were able to hear packets until a time consistant with landing (13:14 EDT). But then the packets stopped. Since we were in a valley at the time this was not of immediate concern. However, in driving around the area we did not hear any more packets, so we could not try fox hunting techniques. So are dependent on some one finding the payload and notifying us. I am a bit concerned that it may have landed in a pond or lake.

We believe it to be a couple miles north of Massillon OH, or perhaps a bit east. One of our local foxhunters took up the challange but had no success hearing a signal either either.

Our 2m 144.34 system was not working at launch, and the planned 100 mi range exceded our guidelines - so we should have aborted. But it was a nice day and probably our last fall opportunity for the fall. Our 70 mi guideline comes from concerns about russing as a caravan to the recover site wit students. In this case, the drive was done US 30 which is now an Interstate class freeway, and we [believe we] reached the area before landing.

-david