What happened
On June 4, 2019, an Ultramagic N-210 hot air balloon was performing a commercial passenger flight near Bredelar, Germany. During the landing approach, the pilot attempted to land on a grassy hilltop. The landing was characterized by a hard initial touchdown, after which the basket briefly lifted off the ground and then settled again.
As the basket continued along the ground, it was dragged downslope across a 14% gradient. During this uncontrolled ground slide, the basket struck a fence and eventually capsized. The impact and the chaotic movement of the lines caused a burner valve to open, igniting a flame that was directed into the basket. The pilot and several passengers sustained serious burns and other injuries during the event.
The investigation
The BFU examined the sequence of events, the meteorological conditions, and the technical state of the aircraft. Investigators analyzed the pilot's actions regarding the use of the Fast Deflating System (FDS) and the management of the burner. The investigation also reviewed the weather data from the German Meteorological Service (DWD), which confirmed that while the wind was within operational limits, the landing occurred in gusty conditions caused by an approaching cold front.
Technical inspections of the Ultramagic N-210 revealed that the burner frame and vaporizer coils were deformed, but no systemic technical failures were found. The investigation also noted discrepancies in the pilot's flight plan regarding the aircraft's weight and fuel mass.
Findings
- The late deployment of the Fast Deflating System caused the envelope to act like a spinnaker, catching the wind and pulling the basket uncontrollably across the terrain.
- The pilot failed to close the fuel supply and extinguish the pilot light before touchdown, which allowed the burner to ignite during the capsize.
- The basket's movement over the sloping terrain led to the capsize and the subsequent direction of the flame into the passenger compartment.
- 8 passengers and the pilot sustained serious injuries, while 2 passengers sustained minor injuries.
- The aircraft's weight and balance calculations in the flight plan were inaccurate, placing the balloon near its maximum payload and lift capacity limits.