A teenager attempting to set a record for an around-the-world flight has died with his father after their plane crashed over the Pacific Ocean.
The plane flown by 17-year-old Haris Suleman went down shortly after leaving Pago Pago in American Samoa Tuesday night. Only Suleman and his father, Babar Suleman, were on board.
The Sulemans left the States on June 19 in hopes of making the trip in 30 days to set the record for the fastest circumnavigation around the world in a single-engine airplane with the youngest pilot in command to do so.
Haris had been flying with his father since age 8 and had recently acquired his pilot's license and instrument rating, which authorized him to fly an aircraft over oceans.
The trip was also raising money for the Citizens Foundation, a nonprofit that builds schools in Pakistan.
They missed the 30-day timetable, in part due to food-borne illness, but planned to return home Sunday.
Haris Suleman told The Indianapolis Star in an email earlier this month that he enjoyed every stop along the trip. The Sulemans had made stops throughout Europe, Africa, Asia and the South Pacific.
"There is so much beauty and culture in each country that I couldn't possibly witness all that I want to in the span of two days. That's the maximum time we've been able to spend at a stop."
Annie Hayat, the family spokeswoman said Wednesday that the body of Haris Suleman had been recovered, but crews were still looking for his father.
May their souls rest in peace, and God comfort their families and loved ones.
At least they died doing something together that they both loved.
Via Yahoo News
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