Changes

'''May 18 1341 PDT:''' Balloon descends at over 2 m/s less than 2km above the ground, again likely due to downdrafts and/or rain, prompting a series of frantic ballast events. Due to the low altitude and rising ground elevation, the trajectory was within two communications intervals of flight termination. All hopes of a long-endurance flight had been abandoned; survival was the only priority.

'''May 18 1341 PDT:''' Balloon descends at over 2 m/s less than 2km above the ground, again likely due to downdrafts and/or rain, prompting a series of frantic ballast events. Due to the low altitude and rising ground elevation, the trajectory was within two communications intervals of flight termination. All hopes of a long-endurance flight had been abandoned; survival was the only priority.

'''May 18 1416 PDT:''' Descent slows and balloon reaches a minimum altitude of 351m, less than 80m above the ground elevation of 285m at (38.277, -120.799) (due to hilly terrain, it is possible the balloon was even closer to the ground and maybe even made contact). Nevertheless, the trajectory was recovered and ascent resumed.

'''May 18 1416 PDT:''' Descent slows and balloon reaches a minimum altitude of 351m, less than 80m above the ground elevation of 285m at (38.277, -120.799) just east of Pardee Reservoir in Calaveras County (due to hilly terrain, it is possible the balloon was even closer to the ground and maybe even made contact). Nevertheless, the trajectory was recovered and ascent resumed.

'''May 18 1446 PDT:''' After several consecutive intervals of ascent, sudden descent was observed at a rapid enough speed to terminate flight by the next communication. A ballast interval was sent --- too little, too late in retrospect.

'''May 18 1446 PDT:''' After several consecutive intervals of ascent, sudden descent was observed at a rapid enough speed to terminate flight by the next communication. A ballast interval was sent --- too little, too late in retrospect.