What happened
On June 16, 2018, a commercial hot air balloon flight departed from Telgte at approximately 19:28. The flight, operated by a German aviation company, carried the pilot, a chase crew member, and six passengers. After approximately one hour and 27 minutes of flight time, the Ultramagic M-145 balloon reached the region west of Füchtorf.
Following two previously aborted landing attempts, the pilot attempted a third landing. To facilitate a descent after crossing a 15-meter-high treeline, the pilot activated the balloon's fast deflation system (FDS). During this maneuver, wind gusts pushed the envelope inward, causing the balloon to descend at a high rate of speed. The basket struck a cornfield at approximately 36 km/h, tipped over, and slid for about 11 meters before coming to rest. The impact resulted in three serious injuries and two minor injuries among the passengers; the pilot and one passenger were uninjured.
The investigation
The BFU examined the flight sequence, meteorological conditions, and the aircraft's technical state. The investigation included reviewing flight logs from a satellite navigation device and analyzing radar data from the German Meteorological Service (DWD). The investigation also confirmed the pilot's credentials, noting he held a valid European Class 2 medical certificate and was authorized for commercial passenger operations. The aircraft's technical inspection records were also reviewed, showing the last airworthiness check had been completed in April 2018.
Findings
- The pilot utilized the fast deflation system to induce a rapid descent, which, combined with wind gusts, led to a high-velocity impact.
- Increasingly deteriorating weather conditions, including an approaching area of moderate to heavy precipitation and wind gusts, contributed to the difficulty of the landing.
- The aircraft, an Ultramagic M-145, showed no signs of technical malfunction or mechanical failure prior to the impact.
- The landing occurred in a cornfield, causing minor damage to the surrounding vegetation.