Back in 2004 the sample capsule from the Genesis spacecraft crashed into the ground after the planned in-air retrieval by a helicopter failed. The plan was to h

Back in 2004 the sample capsule from the Genesis spacecraft crashed into the ground after the planned in-air retrieval by a helicopter failed. The plan was to hook the parachute canopy. Presumably aircraft have an advantage over helicopters in that they fly higher and give you more opportunities for capture. http://www.astrobio.net/exclusive/1185/genesis-suffers-a-crash-landing http://www.astrobio.net/exclusive/1185/genesis-suffers-a-cra... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_(spacecraft)#Recovery_phase http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_(spacecraft)#Recovery_p...