Peter Besenyei completes an amazing flight through the famous Corinth Canal in Greece. The Hungarian pilot crosses the base of the 6.4km-long and 21.4m-wide landmark while performing impressive aerial manoeuvers and breathtaking tricks.
Peter Besenyei, one of the most talented pilots in the world and a legend of the skies today crossed the Corinth Canal in his plane. The aircraft, an Extra 300S D-EFBY that weighs in at approximately 608kg and has 300+ horsepower, has a wingspan of 8m – not much less than the 21.4m that the Corinth Canal measures at its narrowest point. Opened in 1893, the historic waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea
After crossing the canal for the first time in an aligned flight, the pilot raised the degree of difficulty by performing a series of risky tricks during his second pass. The Hungarian then continued with a flight under the old bridge of Corinthos, followed by a vertical climb and a steep descent into the Canal. Besenyei completed his programme performing two impressive loops around the bridge.
“This is a dream come true. The Corinth Canal is a historic location and has always been a challenge for me. It’s great to be in Greece. I really enjoyed this unique experience,” commented Besenyei, who was crowned champion in the first season of the Red Bull Air Race and has remained one of the competition’s leading pilots ever since.
