What happened
On 19 March 2023, a Cameron Balloons Z-160 balloon, registration SP-BOK, was conducting a commercial passenger flight near Szaflary, Poland. After approximately one hour of flight, the pilot performed a landing on a meadow near the EPNT aerodrome. The landing site was situated near a field road and a fenced area.
Following the landing, the pilot identified potential risks to the balloon's envelope from nearby obstacles. To protect the aircraft, the pilot instructed four male passengers to disembark from the basket to assist in moving the balloon to a safer position on the grass. While the passengers were attempting to shift the basket, a sudden gust of wind caused the balloon to move uncontrollably toward a nearby group of trees. The balloon made contact with the trees and ascended above the canopy.
In response to the unexpected ascent, the pilot activated the rapid envelope deflation system. This resulted in a high-rate descent and a hard impact with the ground. The collision caused the basket to overturn. Among the passengers, two female passengers sustained serious injuries, including spinal and leg injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation examined the flight history, aircraft maintenance, and the sequence of events during ground handling. The investigation reviewed the pilot's decision-making process regarding the use of passengers for ground maneuvers and the assessment of weather conditions. The commission also analyzed the aircraft's performance and the effectiveness of the rapid deflation system, which was found to have functioned correctly.