What happened
On 6 April 2019, an UltraMagic N-500 balloon, registration A6-BOY, was conducting a commercial sightseeing flight near Dubai. The flight, operated by Balloon Adventures Emirates LLC, was part of a four-balloon formation carrying 23 people, including the pilot and 22 passengers.
During the approach to the landing site, the aircraft encountered significant meteorological instability. The wind speed, which had been 16 knots, fluctuated between 8 and 17 knots, accompanied by a sudden 90-degree shift in wind direction. In an attempt to manage the descent during these gusty conditions, the pilot utilized the fast deflation system. However, the basket failed to reach the intended flat landing area and instead struck the edge of a sand dune. The impact caused the basket to tip onto its side, leading to a sudden movement that caused three passengers to sustain injuries. One passenger required hospitalization for serious injuries, while two others were treated for minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators from the GCAA AAIS examined the aircraft's maintenance logs, the pilot's experience, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the event. The investigation confirmed that the A6-BOY was airworthy, properly maintained, and that the pilot was fully qualified with extensive commercial experience.
Technical analysis focused on the pilot's use of the burners and the deflation system. The investigation also looked into the meteorological procedures used by the operator, noting that because the landing site lacked its own weather station, the pilot had relied on data from airports located up to 200 kilometers away.