What happened
On 21 August 2019, an Ultramagic N180 hot air balloon, registration F-HPAC, was conducting a commercial sightseeing flight near Onzain, France. The flight, operated by Au Gré Des Vents, carried a pilot and seven passengers. After an hour of flying over the Loir-et-Cher region, the pilot initiated the landing phase near Veuzain-sur-Loire.
As the balloon approached the ground, the pilot deactivated the burners. During the touchdown, the basket made contact with the terrain, bounced, and subsequently fell onto its long side. Following the impact, the pilot deflated the envelope to secure the craft. While most passengers were able to exit the basket, one elderly passenger remained unable to disembark due to intense pain in her legs. She was later hospitalized with severe injuries that required several weeks of rehabilitation.
The investigation
The BEA investigation examined the flight data from the pilot's vertical speed indicator, meteorological reports, and statements from the pilot and passengers. The investigation reviewed the pilot's training and experience, noting he was a qualified pilot with approximately 1,300 flight hours.
Investigators also analyzed the weather conditions at the time of the accident, which were characterized by clear skies and a light north-easterly wind of approximately 10 knots. The investigation also looked into the safety briefing procedures and the physical fitness of the passengers, specifically focusing on whether the recommended landing position had been properly maintained by the injured individual.