What happened
On 20 April 2021, a Head AX8-88B hot air balloon, registration G-TIMX, was conducting a private flight near Welton, Davende, Northamptonshire. After flying at altitudes up to 2,000 ft, the pilot began preparations for landing. To avoid livestock and potential distractions to motorists on the nearby M1 motorway, the pilot selected a narrow grass field west of high-tension electricity cables.
As the balloon approached the landing site, the pilot noted a groundspeed of approximately 9 knots. In an attempt to reduce this speed for touchdown, the pilot intentionally directed the basket to make contact with a hedgerow bounding the eastern side of the field. While the contact with the hedge was successful in slowing the craft, the impact was forceful enough to dislodge a passenger from their prepared brace position. Following the collision, the balloon drifted into the field and dropped approximately one metre. During the subsequent touchdown, the basket tipped onto its side.
One passenger sustained a serious lower leg injury, involving a broken ankle that required surgical intervention. The pilot and the second passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
The investigation examined the pilot's landing technique and the circumstances surrounding the passenger's injury. The pilot had briefed the passengers on a brace position involving facing sideways and holding the basket rim. The investigation confirmed that the wind conditions were within operational limits.
Investigators also reviewed the "fast landing technique" involving intentional contact with obstacles. While this method is discussed within the hot air balloon community, the investigation noted that the British Balloon and Airship Club (BBAC) manual recommends using rip panels to reduce buoyancy rather than colliding with vegetation. Furthermore, the CAA Flight Standards Officer noted that using hedgerows for deceleration introduces significant risks, such as the unpredictable strength of hidden obstacles like fence posts.
Findings
- The passenger was likely dislodged from the intended brace position by the impact with the hedgerow.
- Because the passenger was no longer correctly braced, the risk of injury during the final touchdown was increased.
- The use of a planned collision with a hedgerow to reduce groundspeed is a high-risk maneuver that may be less effective than the techniques recommended in official training manuals.