What happened
On January 5, 2016, an Ultramagic M-120 balloon, registration F-HEXT, was conducting takeoff and landing practice in preparation for an upcoming show. The pilot, who was performing training maneuvers in the absence of the regular pilot, was accompanied by three passengers. During the third takeoff attempt, four individuals—who were performers participating in the show—grabbed onto external handles located at the bottom of the basket.
As the balloon began to ascend, the pilot noticed resistance to the lift and announced that the passengers should let go of the basket to lighten the load. At an altitude of approximately two meters, three of the individuals released their grip, but one remained clinging to the exterior. When the balloon reached an altitude of about 20 meters, a passenger inside the basket noticed the person still hanging outside. The pilot immediately opened the vent to descend the balloon. During this descent, the individual released their hold, fell to the ground, and sustained fatal injuries.
The investigation
The investigation established that the pilot was conducting training due to a lack of experience with this specific aircraft type and the absence of the primary pilot. While the ground crew and passengers had been briefed on boarding and disembarking procedures, the pilot was unable to see the person clinging to the exterior from his position in the basket. The investigation also noted that the individuals on the ground were performers who had previously trained with the regular pilot.
Findings
- The pilot was performing training maneuvers due to having only 18 total flight hours and no prior experience with this specific model or captive balloon operations.
- Four individuals inappropriately gripped external handles at the base of the basket, creating unexpected weight.
- The pilot was unaware of the person remaining attached to the basket until alerted by a passenger during the ascent.
- The physical fitness and reputation of the individual clinging to the basket may have contributed to the lack of immediate alarm from onlookers on the ground.