What happened
On 19 August 2025, a Kubicek BB45Z hot air balloon was conducting a flight in the Utena district of Lithuania. During an attempt to land in a field within Leliūnai municipality, the aircraft encountered overhead power lines. The balloon struck these lines and broke them, which interrupted the landing process.
Following the collision with the infrastructure, the pilot was unable to complete the initial landing maneuver. Consequently, the balloon gained altitude to clear the hazard. The commander then successfully executed an emergency landing in a nearby field close to Miškiniai village. This alternate landing site was located approximately 2.46 km from the original intended touchdown point.
The investigation
The Safety Investigation Authority of the Republic of Lithuania (SIA) examined the circumstances surrounding the incident. The authority established that the primary event was the contact between the balloon envelope and the power lines during the descent phase. The investigation confirmed that the structural integrity of the balloon remained intact despite the impact with the electrical infrastructure.
Findings
The pilot and all passengers were uninjured throughout the incident. The Kubicek BB45Z hot air balloon sustained no damage. The causal factor was identified as the balloon striking power lines during a routine landing attempt in populated terrain, necessitating an immediate diversion to a safe area.