Accident Overview
On 10 May 2022 at 15:59 UTC, a Kubiček BB20 GP hot air balloon, registered as S5-OBU, experienced an accident during a landing attempt near Beltinci, Slovenia (coordinates: N 46°36'24.05", E 16°14'40.31"). The balloon was conducting a private VFR flight in visual meteorological conditions with a pilot and two passengers on board. The balloon had departed from a gravel parking lot southeast of Beltinci for a panoramic flight.
Flight and Landing Attempt
The balloon ascended to approximately 500 meters above ground and flew over a densely populated area, followed by a ground crew. After multiple passes over the settlement, the pilot decided to land on a nearby meadow about 700 meters from the launch site. During the descent, the pilot noticed an excessive vertical speed and attempted to reduce it by increasing burner power. However, the balloon's basket collided with overhead electrical wires of a nearby power line. The impact severed several steel cables connecting the basket to the envelope and ignited the lower part of the envelope. A hole approximately 1.5 meters in diameter was torn in the envelope upon striking a power pole.
Damage and Emergency Response
The severed suspension cables compromised the basket's stability, posing a risk of occupants falling. The fire damaged the envelope further. The collision also caused a power outage in part of the settlement. As the basket descended to about 2 meters above ground, one passenger exited on the pilot's command. The resulting weight reduction caused the balloon to ascend again to roughly 50 meters. The pilot then threw a rescue rope to the ground crew, enabling a controlled landing in a nearby yard. After landing, the remaining occupant and pilot evacuated the basket, and the balloon was deflated.
Investigation Findings
The investigation, conducted by the Slovenian Civil Aviation Authority, determined that the pilot held a valid balloon pilot license (BPL) and a valid medical certificate, with a total flight experience of 242 hours and 30 minutes. The pilot had maintained currency with no significant interruptions. Weather conditions at the time were favorable for VFR flight, with light local winds and no hazardous weather. The balloon was airworthy, with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness and no evidence of malfunctions in the gas burners, cylinders, or control system. The takeoff mass was below the maximum allowable. Analysis of the flight trajectory and collected statements indicated that the pilot did not detect the approaching obstacles in the landing path before the collision.