East Germany balloon escape
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 authors before their second, successful flight two months later.
Left to right: Günter Wetzel, Doris Strelzyk, and Peter Strelzyk | |
| Native name | Die Ballonflucht |
|---|---|
| Date | 16 September 1979 |
| Time | 02:00am (approximate) |
| Duration | 25 minutes |
| Location | Oberlemnitz, East Germany (takeoff) Naila, West Germany (landing) |
| Coordinates | 50°28′59″N 11°35′29″E (takeoff) 50°19′52.7″N 11°40′13.1″E (landing) |
| Organised by | Peter Strelzyk & family Günter Wetzel & family |
| Participants | 8 |
| Outcome | Successful escape to West Germany |
| Non-fatal injuries | 2 |
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