Incident Overview
On June 1, 2022, at approximately 2015 central daylight time, a Cameron Z-90 balloon, registration N65009, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Burlington, Wisconsin. The balloon was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an other work use flight. The pilot and two passengers suffered serious injuries.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported taking off near the Burlington Municipal Airport (BUU) with two passengers and drifting southeast. About one hour into the flight, lake effect wind conditions developed, prompting the pilot to search for a landing site. He selected a road east of railroad tracks and briefed the passengers. The balloon's ground speed was noted as 4 mph. The pilot observed a slow-moving train to his left but did not consider it a factor. He recalled seeing a park east of the road and then contacting the train. The pilot reported losing consciousness and had no further recollection.
Engineer and Witness Reports
The engineer of a Canadian National freight train stated that he saw the balloon descending and began slowing the train. He observed the balloon in his side mirror and applied emergency brakes. The balloon landed in the grassy area between the tracks and a street. As the envelope deflated, it drifted toward the rail cars. The envelope caught on a car 15 cars behind the engine, lifting the balloon. The envelope then tore away from the basket and ascended approximately 200 feet. No train occupants were injured.
A witness at a nearby dog park reported seeing the balloon approximately 50 feet above the trees, descending as if to land in the park. It continued over the adjacent street toward the northbound train, landed in the grassy area, and the envelope became limp. When the envelope caught on a train car, it tore away, causing the three individuals in the basket to fall out.
Video Evidence
Forward- and rear-facing video from the freight train engine showed the balloon descending toward a road parallel to the railroad tracks, east of the train. The envelope was fully inflated during the descent. In the rear-facing video, the pilot activated the burners just before the balloon disappeared behind the first freight car.
Postaccident Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector observed witness marks indicating an initial touchdown in the grassy area between the road and tracks, with a second touchdown closer to the tracks. The envelope caught on an upright of an empty lumber car, lifting and dragging the balloon.
The basket was found intact and inverted near the tracks. Both propane tanks remained secured. One fuel line was separated from its tank; the other was separated near the burner attachment. The envelope came to rest on a road about 80 feet north of the basket.
Fractures were noted on aluminum uprights at basket attach points, and cross tubes and burners were broken at their upper attach points. The envelope sustained damage to A-blocks, carabiner attachments, flying lines, and several panels were torn. Control continuity to the envelope spring top and turning vents was confirmed. Postaccident examination revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.