Birchwood, Alaska, Antares designer Sergey Zozulya has just returned with his highly modified Antares Trike to report the news of 'possibly' breaking the world speed record between Birchwood, Alaska and Los Angeles.

After undergoing therapy from suffering what may be described as wind damage to the lower jaw and cheek and temporary hearing loss along with shoulder and elbow dislocations encountered during the historic flight, Mr. Zozulya excitedly explains, “My total time flight was one hour forty two minutes, thirteen seconds.”

Passenger and copilot Andy Kmak explains that the attempt was purely accidental. “We were testing the Antares as a possible launch platform for a surplus AIM-120 with the larger, longer range engine over the Knik Arm when all of a sudden the rocket motor decided to ignite. All we could do is close our eyes and hold on.” Fortunately, a Garmin GPS was on board and recorded the flight. The GPS showed a total distance of 2373 miles with an average speed of 1547 MPH. At this time it is not certain if this will be able to be used as evidence to support the flight but the data was submitted to the record committee for evaluation.

“When we opened our eyes some time later,” Mr. Kmak explains, “We were over an area of LA that looked familiar to me, but I could not believe it.” The Trike touched down between the runways at LAX and the crew and craft were apprehended by authorities.

No charges were filed since the FAA could not decide on what to do as long the crew paid the airport landing fee. Both were released to return home.

Further investigations are pending. Photos were taken just after rocket motor ignited. ANN thanks Sonja Hickup, official Ultralight Noise Patrol Officer, for her assist with this story.

FMI: www.speedytrikes.org