FAA opens its own Heene ‘Balloon Boy’ investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the “balloon boy” incident, which temporarily forced departing flights to use alternate runways at Denver International Airport on Thursday. (Fort Collins Coloradoan)

Prosecutors and investigators with the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office are scheduled to meet next week to discuss possible charges against Richard and Mayumi Heene, who are accused of falsely reporting their son Falcon, 6, had floated away from their Fort Collins home in a UFO-shaped helium balloon.

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The balloon drifted across three counties and about 50 miles southeast before landing north of DIA, drawing international attention thanks to television station helicopters that broadcast the flight. The boy eventually emerged at his home, and his parents said he had been hiding in a garage attic.

Larimer County FAA spokesman Mike Fergus confirmed the investigation but declined to provide any details.

Read the full story at coloradoan.com.