INNSBRUCK, Austria, May 27, 1931 (UP) - The Innsbruck airdrome reported the experimental balloon of Prof. Auguste Piccard drifting in a changing wind over the northern part of Italy tonight.
Airdrome officials said big searchlights had been used in an attempt to signal the balloon, and it was believed the ground parties saw a signal light in response. The fact that the balloon was being tossed about in almost every direction and sinking slowly downward, however, was said to indicate it was out of control or that the occupants were dead.
Two airplanes proceeded to the Stubai valley in an attempt to observe the condition of the balloon, and motorcycles were dispatched along the roads. The gendarmes attempting to follow the balloon said it resembled "a large silver star" in the sky.
