What happened
On February 11, 2014, at approximately 10:00 local time, an Ultramagic N-210 hot air balloon, registration EC-KVT, was performing a local tourist flight near the Pla de Bages aerodrome in Manresa, Barcelona. The flight, operated by Globus Grial, S.L., departed at 09:00 with the pilot and nine passengers on board.
During the landing phase, the balloon was pushed off its intended trajectory by an air current. To avoid contact with nearby high-voltage power lines, the pilot executed a rapid descent at a rate of 1.7 m/s, which exceeded the standard landing speed of 1 to 1.5 m/s. Upon impact with the ground, one passenger sustained a broken arm and required hospital treatment. The aircraft sustained no damage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's credentials, the aircraft's airworthiness, and the operational procedures of the operator. The pilot held a valid license and medical certificate, and the Ultramagic N-210 had all required documentation in order. Meteorological data from AEMET confirmed that weather conditions, including visibility and wind speeds, were within safe limits for flight.
Investigators reviewed the company's Operations Manual, which mandates that pilots provide safety briefings to passengers before landing. The manual instructs passengers to hold the internal handles and maintain flexed knees. The investigation also noted that the company's procedures prohibit flying near high-voltage lines and require a rapid descent only if contact is otherwise unavoidable.
Findings
- The pilot performed a rapid descent to avoid an obstacle (high-voltage lines) after an air current diverted the balloon's path.
- The landing speed of 1.7 m/s was higher than the typical landing velocity.
- The passenger failed to follow safety instructions by keeping their arm extended and resting it on the basket edge during the impact.