Their aircraft was the Rutan Model 76 Voyager, a lightweight craft that could carry more than four times its weight in fuel. Rutan’s brother, Burt, designed and built the craft over a six-year span.

Voyager left from Edwards Air Force Base in California just after 8 a.m. on Dec. 14, 1986. Rutan said with all that fuel, the wings had only inches of clearance. Dick couldn't see when they ...