What happened
On May 24, 2015, an Ultramagic T180 hot air balloon, registration EC-LKP, operated by Ballooning, S. L., was conducting a tourist flight near Vic, Spain. The flight began with a standard ascent to approximately 1,000 ft AGL. During the flight, the pilot decided to descend to a much lower altitude to provide passengers with a scenic view of flowering rapeseed fields.
As the balloon descended to approximately 10 m AGL, the wind direction shifted, pushing the aircraft toward a 25,000V high-voltage power line that had previously been cleared. During this period, the pilot became distracted while communicating via radio with another balloon from the same operator, which appeared to be descending too rapidly.
Realizing a collision was imminent, the pilot attempted to use the double burner to gain rapid altitude to clear the wires. However, the ascent was insufficient. The basket struck the lines, severing one cable and creating an electric arc that damaged the balloon's envelope and basket. The impact caused a small fire near the fuel cylinders, which the pilot extinguished using the onboard extinguisher. The pilot then utilized the rapid deflation system (FDS) to bring the balloon to a controlled landing.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight operations, the pilot's actions, and the company's operating manual. The investigation established that while the pilot's emergency maneuvers—such as cutting the burners and closing fuel valves before impact—were appropriate to prevent a larger fire or a free-fall, the flight itself violated established safety protocols. The investigation also reviewed the wind conditions and the impact of the pilot's distraction on situational awareness.
Findings
- The pilot intentionally flew at an altitude significantly below the legal minimum safety height of 150 m (500 ft) AGL to enhance the tourist experience.
- The pilot was distracted by monitoring the trajectory of another aircraft, which led to a loss of situational awareness regarding the balloon's path toward the power lines.
- A shift in wind direction at lower altitudes directed the balloon into the path of the electrical infrastructure.
- The collision resulted in 3 minor injuries (the pilot and two passengers) due to electrical burns.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the basket, the envelope, and the load tapes due to the electric arc and the subsequent small fire.