What happened
On September 2, 2018, at approximately 20:3 and in Sercus, France, an Ultra Magic N-250 hot air balloon, registered F-GTIF, was conducting a commercial flight. The flight, operated by Les Ballons Migrateurs, began in Boeschepe with the pilot and ten passengers on board.
During the first thirty minutes of the flight, the aircraft drifted near Cassel under light easterly winds. However, as the aircraft descended to approximately 300 meters, the crew encountered a sudden change in weather. The wind shifted 90 degrees from the east to the north and increased in intensity by approximately 15 knots.
Seeking a safe landing site, the pilot identified a large field suitable for a high-wind landing. The pilot prepared the passengers for a drag landing (landing on the side of the basket) and instructed them to adopt a specific safety position. As the basket touched the ground, it slid on its side and was dragged for about thirty meters before the pilot utilized the rapid deflation valve to stop the movement. During the landing, one passenger sustained an ankle injury.
The investigation
The BEA examined the meteorological conditions and the pilot's actions. Investigators found that while initial forecasts (including TAF, TEMSI, and WINTEM charts) indicated calm conditions with winds below 10 knots, a sea breeze had developed. This phenomenon caused a significant shift in wind direction and an increase in wind speed at low altitudes.
The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight management. The pilot had performed a safety briefing for the passengers prior to the landing and had proactively extinguished the navigation lights before touchdown. The pilot also utilized the rapid deflation command to minimize the duration of the drag.
Findings
- The primary cause of the landing conditions was the formation of a sea breeze, which was not indicated in the pre-flight meteorological forecasts.
- The unexpected wind shift and intensification made it difficult for the pilot to anticipate the necessary landing technique.
- The pilot's adherence to safety protocols, including passenger briefings and the use of rapid deflation, helped mitigate the impact of the landing.
- The incident highlights the physical vulnerability of passengers during drag landings, particularly those unfamiliar with the procedure.