What happened
On March 4, 2025, a LINDSTRAND 180A balloon, registered F-HCMP, was conducting a commercial passenger flight near Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. The flight, operated by JLJballoon, departed from La Roque-Gageac with a crew of one pilot and seven passengers.
During the flight, the pilot maneuvered the balloon to fly at low altitudes over the Dordogne river. As the balloon approached a section of the Marqueyssac cliffs, it entered the shade of the cliff face. The pilot, who was providing tourist information to the passengers, did not realize that the balloon was descending rapidly due to the cooling effect of the shade. Although the pilot activated the burners to regain altitude, the balloon's momentum caused the envelope to strike trees. The basket subsequently came to rest on a bank along the cliffside.
Following the impact, the pilot performed emergency shutdown procedures. While attempting to evacuate a distressed young passenger from the basket, the pilot slipped on a steep slope and sustained serious injuries to his back. The remaining passengers stayed in the basket until emergency services arrived.
The investigation
The investigation, based largely on GPS data and the pilot's statements, focused on the descent profile and the pilot's situational awareness. The BEA examined the meteorological conditions, which were favorable, and the pilot's operational decisions regarding flight height and altitude control. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the impact of passenger interaction on flight safety.