What happened
On July 31, 2026, a Kubicek BB26Z hot air balloon with registration SP-BGK was being prepared for launch on a meadow near Lotnicza Street in Grudziądz. The site was located approximately 160 meters from a 110 kV high-voltage power line, on the downwind side relative to the prevailing westerly winds. Around 03:00 UTC, the ground crew began inflating the envelope with cold air. Once the envelope was approximately 80% filled, the pilot ignited the burner to introduce heated air.
During this phase, a sudden gust of wind from the west lifted the envelope, causing it to rise abruptly and pull the crown line away from the ground crew member holding it. The balloon drifted eastward while still tethered by its anchoring line, which became taut and subsequently snapped. The basket dragged along the ground before the entire assembly was caught in a nearby tree line. The balloon settled in an upright position close to the high-voltage lines. A subsequent gust from the west laid the envelope across the 110 kV conductors, resulting in electrical arcing and melting of the fabric. The power lines were damaged but not severed. The pilot remained in the basket, avoiding contact with metal components to prevent electric shock. A later gust from the east pushed the envelope back onto the ground. Emergency services arrived shortly after 03:12 UTC to secure the scene.
The investigation
The State Commission for Investigation of Aviation Accidents (PKBWL) conducted a preliminary inspection of the accident site and the balloon basket the day after the incident. Investigators secured the broken anchoring line and performed field measurements at the launch site. Initial examination revealed no visible damage to the basket, burner assembly, or fuel tanks. The pilot reported that the envelope was melted due to contact with the high-voltage wires, a finding consistent with the physical evidence. The aircraft’s airworthiness certificate and registration were valid at the time of the occurrence. No flight recorders were installed on the balloon.
Findings
The primary causal factor was a sudden gust of wind during the inflation phase that caused the envelope to lift prematurely while still tethered. This action snapped the anchoring line, allowing the balloon to drift uncontrolled toward the high-voltage power lines. The proximity of the launch site to the 110 kV infrastructure and the resulting contact with the live conductors led to thermal damage of the envelope. No injuries were reported.