Solar Impulse ends cross-country US flight slightly early in NY due to torn left wing

Solar Impulse has successfully hopped its way across the US, completing the final leg of the journey from Washington Dulles International Airport. While today marks the end of journey at New York's JFK airport as expected, the solar-powered aircraft landed a roughly three hours early -- this, due to an eight-foot tear in its left wing discovered while it was over Toms River, New Jersey. According to the crew, the breakage posed no siginificant threat to pilot André Borschberg, but did mean a planned fly-by of the Statue of Liberty had to be nixed. If you'll recall, this was the first US-based trip for Solar Impulse, which the team used largely to raise further awareness about energy efficiency. Aside from that, you can bet some extra publicity before a future model is set to make a flight across the wold in 2015. Relive Solar Impulse's Across America Mountain View start here and get more info about the full endeavor at the source link. Livestream wrap-up embedded after the break.

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