Solar Impulse 2, First Solar Plane to Circle the Globe, Lost in Gulf of Mexico Accident

The experimental plane Solar Impulse 2 crashed into the Gulf of Mexico recently, its owner has revealed. The aircraft completed a historic round-the-world trip in 2016 without using jet fuel. That journey marked the first circumnavigation by a solar-powered plane.

The owner of the Solar Impulse 2 disclosed the recent crash. @AFP reported the details of the accident and the owner's statement. Solar Impulse 2 had become known for its groundbreaking 2016 achievement.

The plane flew around the globe relying solely on solar energy, a feat that drew international attention at the time. No further details about the circumstances of the crash were immediately available from the owner. The aircraft's location in the Gulf of Mexico marks a stark contrast to its earlier record-setting voyage over multiple continents and oceans.

The 2016 round-the-world trip had taken the plane on a multi-stage journey. It demonstrated the potential of renewable energy in aviation through a series of long-duration flights.

That disclosure brings an unexpected end to the aircraft's operational life after years of post-flight exhibitions and storage.