What happened
On July 24, 2023, a Cameron Z105 hot-air balloon, registered F-GMGE, was participating in the Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons (GEMAB) festival at Chambley aerodrome. Following an initial delay due to weather, the pilot received clearance for an evening ascent at approximately 20:10.
During the flight, the balloon drifted toward the Rupt de Mad valley. The pilot observed that wind speeds were increasing due to the local topography, reaching an estimated 10 to 15 knots. Because the terrain below—consisting of forests, rivers, and power lines—was unsuitable for a standard landing, the pilot initiated a rapid descent to reach a suitable site between two wooded areas.
Upon contact with the ground, the basket bounced several times and tipped onto its side due to the wind. During this violent sequence, one passenger, experiencing high levels of stress, jumped from the basket. Simultaneously, another passenger struck their face against the basket wall and was subsequently ejected. The pilot also sustained injuries during the impact.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the meteorological conditions, the pilot's decision-making, and the effectiveness of passenger safety briefings. Investigators examined the weather data provided during the pre-flight briefing, noting that while the forecast indicated a south-westerly wind, the actual flight path encountered north-westerly winds that intensified as the balloon entered the valley.
The investigation also reviewed the safety instructions provided to the passengers. While the pilot had briefed the passengers on the landing position and the possibility of the basket tipping, the BEA found that the passengers may not have fully understood or correctly implemented the recommended safety posture. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the basket lacked compartments, which makes maintaining a stable position more difficult during turbulent landings.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a hard landing necessitated by a hurried descent into an unfavorable landing area caused by strengthening winds.
- The wind speed increased to approximately 15 knots, creating a significant risk of the basket overturning.
- The passenger's decision to jump from the basket during the bounce destabilized the balloon's balance and hindered the pilot's ability to control the landing.
- The difficulty of maintaining the correct safety position in a basket without compartments contributed to the passenger's ejection.
- Meteorological information provided during the festival briefings was found to be imprecise, making it difficult for pilots to accurately assess the risks of localized turbulence and wind changes.