What happened
On April 4, 2021, a private, non-commercial cross-country flight involving a Cameron C-80 hot air balloon departed from Kwaadmechelen, Belgium. The flight, which included one passenger, encountered wind speeds higher than forecasted shortly after takeoff. After several aborted landing attempts in the Beringen area due to wind changes and ground hazards, the pilot sought a landing site near Helchteren.
During the final approach over a meadow, the pilot partially opened the parachute valve to initiate descent. As the basket descended, it brushed against tree branches. Because too much hot air had already escaped, the pilot was unable to close the valve to maintain altitude. While attempting to cushion the descent using the main burner, the balloon experienced a rapid, vertical descent. The resulting heavy landing caused the envelope to collapse and led to a serious injury for the passenger, who sustained three fractures to her left leg.