What happened
On 20 February 2020, an UltraMagic N-500 balloon, registration A6-BOR, operated by Balloon Adventures Emirates LLC, was conducting a scheduled flight over the Dubai desert. The flight, which carried 24 occupants, departed from the Murqab takeoff site under stable conditions. As the flight progressed toward the designated landing area at Second Flat, the crew encountered unexpected environmental challenges.
During the descent, the pilot encountered significant turbulence and variable winds, including gusts of up to 20 knots, while overflying sand dunes. In an attempt to manage the descent and counter a downdraft, the pilot utilized the burner to add heat to the envelope. At approximately 50 feet above ground level, the pilot activated the Fast Deflation System (FDS) to facilitate an immediate touchdown. However, due to the residual heat in the envelope, the balloon bounced upon contact with the ground and ascended again. During this second, uncontrolled movement, the basket drifted into a sand dune, resulting in a sideways landing. The impact caused one minor leg injury to a passenger.
The investigation
The GCAA AAIS investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the pilot's approach maneuvers. Investigators found that while the takeoff weather was within limits, the landing area lacked localized weather reporting equipment. The crew had relied on METAR and TAF data from distant airports, which did not reflect the localized turbulence and wind shifts occurring directly over the dunes. Additionally, the investigation examined the pilot's recent training records and the operational use of the FDS.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the basket impacting a sand dune.
- The balloon bounced during the initial touchdown because the envelope remained sufficiently inflated by the heat added during the approach.
- The pilot's use of the FDS at 50 feet AGL, while intended to lose altitude, contributed to the subsequent bounce and drift.
- A lack of localized weather monitoring at the Second Flat landing site prevented the crew from anticipating the specific wind gusts and turbulence encountered near the dunes.
- The injured passenger was a self-identified "Restricted Passenger" who had signed a liability declaration prior to flight.
Safety action
- The investigation recommends that the operator provide the Second Flat Area with weather measurement tools to assist pilots with descent planning.
- It is recommended that the operator install video recording equipment with sufficient battery life to capture the entirety of all flight durations.