On May 8, 1982, a Thunder Balloons, Ltd. LTD. (registration GBJZC) operated by Greenpeace was involved in an aviation accident near Fountain Valley, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: An increase in wind velocity caused the basket to be pulled from the ground handlers' grasp. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A balloon was dragged across a field after wind pulled the basket from handlers, colliding with a stage and tow truck, ejecting a passenger before becoming airborne and landing 13 miles north.
Incident Overview
According to the pilot, the balloon was inflated and weigh-off procedures were completed. As ground handlers walked the balloon, an increase in wind velocity caused the basket to be pulled free from their grasp. The gondola was dragged across the ground for approximately 100 yards, during which it collided with a portable stage, went up and over the stage's roof, and then collided with a tow truck. A passenger fell out of the basket before the balloon became airborne.
Landing
After becoming airborne, the balloon successfully landed about 13 miles north of the takeoff site.
Weather Conditions
A National Weather Service forecaster at the site reported that winds were from 180 degrees at 7 mph, with gusts up to 10 mph at 5 feet above ground level.
Probable cause
An increase in wind velocity caused the basket to be pulled from the ground handlers' grasp.