Student Pilot Sustains Spinal Fracture During Hot Air Balloon Landing

Casualties unknown • Roggosen, DE

A student pilot suffered a spinal fracture after falling over the side of a balloon basket during a landing near Roggosen, Germany.

What happened

On June 23, 2012, at approximately 07:22 local time, a Lindstrand LBL 105 A hot air balloon was conducting a training flight near Roggosen, Germany. The aircraft was carrying four occupants, including a student pilot and an instructor.

During the landing sequence on a meadow, the balloon descended at a rate of approximately 1 m/s with a ground speed of about 5 knots. As the basket made its initial contact with the ground, the student pilot fell over the side of the basket in the direction of travel. Following this movement, the balloon briefly lifted off the ground again, drifted over a small wooded area, and completed its landing at a different location.

Following the incident, the student pilot was picked up by the chase vehicle. Although the student initially reported only back pain and no severe injuries, a subsequent medical examination conducted a week later revealed a fractured vertebra.

Probable cause

The student pilot fell over the edge of the balloon basket during the initial contact with the ground, resulting in a spinal fracture.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2012-06-23 Lindstrand LBL 105 A accident near Roggosen, DE?

A student pilot suffered a spinal fracture after falling over the side of a balloon basket during a landing near Roggosen, Germany.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2012-06-23 involved a Lindstrand LBL 105 A, at Roggosen, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The student pilot fell over the edge of the balloon basket during the initial contact with the ground, resulting in a spinal fracture.

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