What happened
On July 12, 2014, at approximately 21:45, a private pilot was conducting a recreational flight in an Ultramagic M77 hot air balloon, registration EC-JA/AO, near Chalonnes-sur-Loire, France. Before departure, the pilot performed a wind check using a small balloon, estimating westerly winds of 6 to 7 knots with gusts up to 12 knots.
During the takeoff sequence, while the burner was active, the balloon experienced a sudden vertical ascent to approximately ten meters before rapidly descending. Despite the pilot activating a second burner in an attempt to cushion the descent, the basket struck the ground with significant force. The impact caused the balloon to bounce over a tree before eventually coming to a normal rest. The entire flight lasted only one minute. During the impact, one passenger sustained an injury.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the flight sequence. The wind conditions at the time of the accident were confirmed to be approximately 270 degrees at 6 to 7 knots, with gusts reaching 12 knots. These conditions were consistent with the weather data the pilot had retrieved from four different internet sources prior to the flight.
Investigators noted that the manufacturer's flight manual for Ultramagic balloons specifies a maximum allowable wind speed of 15 knots for takeoff. The pilot, who had been licensed since May 2014, had completed 25 total ascensions, seven of which were in this specific aircraft type. Safety briefings regarding landing procedures had been provided to both passengers prior to the flight.