What happened
On July 13, 2023, at approximately 20:00, a Cameron Z340 HL hot air balloon, registration SE-ZMS, departed from Krobia near Torun for a planned 45-minute sightseeing flight. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and 14 passengers. During the flight, the pilot descended to approximately 60 m AGL to assess ground wind direction, observing a significant wind shift of approximately 170°.
To avoid landing in agricultural fields, the pilot increased the altitude to 250 m AGL to better survey the terrain for a suitable meadow. As the flight progressed, approaching dusk and increasing cloud cover led to a reduction in visibility. The pilot eventually identified a meadow situated behind an asphalt road and initiated a landing approach. During the descent, the pilot observed an electrical line on the opposite side of the intended landing site but determined it did not pose a threat.
As the balloon approached the road, the pilot noticed additional utility poles that had been obscured by the dark background of the meadow. However, the wires spanning between these poles were not detected until it was too late. Despite an immediate attempt to use the burners to gain altitude, the momentum of the aerostat and stronger winds caused the basket to strike the power lines. The impact severed the wires and caused two utility poles to collapse. There were no injuries to the occupants, and the balloon eventually landed safely in a field near Małszyce. No damage was sustained by the aircraft.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the pilot's decision-making during the approach and the environmental conditions at the time of the collision. The investigation examined the visibility levels, the impact of the wind shift on the flight duration, and the pilot's assessment of the electrical infrastructure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the pilot's failure to identify the wires between the utility poles, based on the incorrect assumption that no wires were present between the visible poles.
- The landing was attempted during twilight under conditions of limited visibility.
- Unexpected and unforecasted changes in meteorological conditions extended the duration of the flight.
- The pilot's desire to avoid landing in agricultural fields by seeking a meadow contributed to the sequence of events.