Steve Fossett, America's answer to Richard Branson, is still missing. The blogosphere is asking, is this is the end for a pioneering hero, or more attention-seeking of a rich playboy?
The tycoon, who like his friend Sir Richard breaks aviation records as a hobby, disappeared on Monday on a routine flight.
His small single-engined plane is thought to have come down in the vast Nevada desert. "It is a very large haystack, and an airplane is a very small needle," said Cynthia Ryan from the Civil Air Patrol.
Fossett's flight was described as a "recreational trip", which might suggest he was planning some stunt flying. But despite his reputation for derring-do he is described as a "conservative pilot" who doesn't go in for aerial acrobatics, according to Ms Ryan.
Branson said Fossett was looking for a suitable stretch to attempt the land speed record. "I suspect he is waiting by his plane right now for someone to pick him up," he said. Is that just adventurer bravado?
Blogger Carmi is praying for Fossett, and says the world needs the "inspiration of extraordinary folks" like him.
Chicago Ray hopes Fossett is found alive, but he doesn't have much sympathy for his plight. He says Fossett has spent years acting like a "foolish child with way too much money and time on his hands".
