FILE - In this March 6, 2018, file photo, "Mad" Mike Hughes reacts after the decision to scrub another launch attempt of his rocket near Amboy, Calif. The self-styled daredevil died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, after a rocket in which he launched himself crashed into the ground, a colleague and a witness said. (James Quigg/Daily Press via AP, File)
‘Mad’ Mike Hughes died after a rocket he launched himself crashed into the ground (Picture: AP)

A US daredevil pilot has died after his self-made rocket crashed into the ground.

‘Mad’ Mike Hughes, 64, hoped to blast himself into outer space to check for himself whether the Earth is flat or a globe.

Shocking footage shows his steam-powered rocket being fired into the sky near Barstow, California, before plummeting to the ground shortly after take-off.

Mike’s parachute was seen dropping to the ground, without his body attached.

According to Space.com, the launch was going to feature in a new TV series about amateur rocket makers for the US Science Channel.

The Science Channel confirmed the tragic news, tweeting: ‘Michael ‘Mad Mike’ Hughes tragically passed away today during an attempt to launch his homemade rocket.

Mad Mike Hughes just launched himself in a self-made steam-powered rocket and crash landed. Very likely did not survive. #MadMike #MadMikeHughes
Footage shows the moment Mike Hughes’ robot spirals out of control (Picture: Justin Chapman)
(Picture: Justin Chapman)
Mike Hughes blasts off in a homemade rocket near Barstow, California (Picture: Justin Chapman)


‘Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends during this difficult time.

‘It was always his dream to do this launch & Science Channel was there to chronicle his journey.’

Hughes was trying to reach an altitude of 5,000ft (1,525m), with the help of his partner Waldo Stakes.

His team spent around $18,000 (£14,000) building the homemade rocket, which used steam ejected through a nozzle for propulsion.

Hughes became internationally famous when he announced his intention to prove his ‘flat earth’ theory.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Paul Buck/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (9244162c) 'Mad' Mike Hughes stands beside his rocket in his roadside launch area near Amboy, California, USA 27 November 2017. Hughes will launch his steam-powered rocket in an attempt to prove that the earth is flat. The US Federal Bureau of Land Management put the original launch on hold prompting Hughes to relocate his launch area to private land. 'Mad' Mike Hughes to launch home built, steam-powered rocket, Amboy, USA - 27 Nov 2017
Hughes with one of his homemade rockets in 2017 (Picture: Rex)
Mad Mike Hughes just launched himself in a self-made steam-powered rocket and crash landed. Very likely did not survive. #MadMike #MadMikeHughes
‘Mad’ Mike Hughes did not survive his latest attempt to prove the earth is flat (Picture: This is Rocketman)

His first successful rocket launch on March 24, 2018, reached a height of 1,875 feet (572 m) before landing hard in the Mojave Desert.

Last year, another attempted rocket launch was grounded after Hughes reportedly used a defective water heater bought from craigslist.

The daredevil had a history of attempting breathtaking stunts.

He set a Guinness world record in 2002 when he jumped 103 feet (31 m) jump in a stretch limo.

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