What happened
On 31 August 2021, a KUBICEK Balloons BB45Z (registration F-HAOK), operated by Wing Over ULM, was conducting a commercial sightseeing flight over the Loire river. The flight, which included the pilot and six passengers, departed from Roanne airport at approximately 08:00.
After about an hour of flight, the pilot determined that wind conditions near the gorges of the Loire were too strong for a safe landing. Seeking calmer conditions, the pilot redirected the balloon toward a large field near Saint-Germain-Laval. As the balloon approached the landing site, it passed over a line of trees approximately five to ten meters tall. During the descent, the basket experienced a downdraft and struck the ground with significant force. The impact caused the basket to bounce and subsequently tip onto its side, dragging for approximately 30 meters before coming to a halt. The impact resulted in one passenger sustaining a double tibia-fibula fracture.
The investigation
The BEA examined the meteorological conditions, the pilot's flight preparation, and the operator's safety protocols. The investigation established that the pilot had consulted weather forecasts the afternoon before the flight, which indicated increasing winds throughout the morning. However, the pilot did not consult updated forecasts on the morning of the accident. Retrospective data suggested that wind gusts at the time of the accident were likely stronger than those predicted in the previous day's forecast.
Investigators also reviewed the operator's procedures. It was found that the company's operations manual lacked specific procedures for flight preparation and passenger briefing. Furthermore, the commercial balloon activity had not been formally declared to the French civil aviation safety directorate (DSAC). Regarding the injury, the investigation noted that the passenger's age and underlying osteoporosis increased her vulnerability to the impact, though the pilot was unaware of these medical conditions.
Findings
- The primary cause of the hard landing was likely unforeseen wind gusts that were stronger than the forecasts consulted by the pilot.
- A late takeoff time contributed to the flight encountering more adverse summer meteorological conditions.
- The pilot's failure to re-verify weather conditions on the morning of the flight left the crew unprepared for the actual wind speeds.
- The basket configuration and the physical limitations of certain passengers may have hindered the ability to adopt the most effective safety positions.
- Inadequate flight preparation and risk management procedures within the operator's manual.