What happened
On 29 July 2021, a Cameron Z-90 hot air balloon, registered F-HASV, was conducting a non-commercial flight near Saint-Privat-la-Montagne, France. The flight was part of the Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons (GEMAB) event at Chambley aerodrome. The pilot was transporting three passengers for a morning flight.
As the flight progressed, the pilot noted approaching restricted airspace and increasing wind gusts. To avoid these conditions, the pilot decided to terminate the flight and land before the 09:00 deadline. During the approach, the pilot encountered wind conditions near the manufacturer's recommended limits. After an initial aborted approach to avoid a high-voltage power line, the pilot attempted a landing in a second field.
Upon touchdown, the balloon bounced and the basket subsequently tipped onto its side. The basket was dragged across the ground for approximately 10 meters. During this maneuver, one passenger sustained an injury to the ankle.
The investigation
The BEA examined the meteorological conditions, the aircraft's technical specifications, and the pilot's procedures. Analysis of weather data from Météo-France and local stations indicated that while the official forecast predicted a 8-knot wind, actual conditions at the time of the accident likely involved average winds of 10 to 12 knots, with gusts reaching between 16 and 18 knots.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's experience and the passenger positioning protocols. The pilot, who had been flying since 2010, had briefed the passengers on safety instructions and warned them to hold on tightly due to the expected ground drag. The investigation noted that the basket was a non-partitioned type, which presents challenges for passenger positioning.
Findings
- The landing occurred during periods of wind gusts exceeding the manufacturer's recommended limits.
- The basket tipped and dragged due to the wind strength and the nature of the touchdown.
- Passenger positioning in non-partitioned baskets is often a compromise between safety recommendations, available space within the basket, and the physical size of the occupants.
- The investigation highlighted a recurring pattern of passenger trauma during hot air balloon landings, particularly when passengers are unfamiliar with the activity.