What happened
On 7 August 2008, a Cameron A-300 hot air balloon, registration G-SNIF, was conducting a commercial passenger flight near Croxton, Staffordshire. During the descent, the pilot had instructed all passengers to adopt a specific landing position, which included a visual demonstration. To ensure comprehension, the pilot also verified the understanding of a group of non-English speaking passengers via their group leader.
As the balloon approached a field of stubble, the landing was notably firm, with a groundspeed of approximately 8 knots according to GPS data. The impact caused the basket to bounce twice before eventually coming to rest on its side. Following the touchdown, the pilot observed that three passengers appeared to be injured. One female passenger, who had been dislodged from the prescribed landing position, was found to have sustained a serious injury involving a fractured left knee and tissue damage to her right leg.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances leading to the passenger's injury and the stability of the landing position. It was established that the injured passenger had failed to maintain the correct posture, holding onto the rope with only one hand. This loss of balance caused her to fall onto another passenger, which subsequently led to her being dislodged from her position.
Investigators also reviewed the effectiveness of current basket configurations. The inquiry noted that the passenger's displacement was a significant factor in the injury. The investigation also referenced previous studies and similar incidents involving hot air balloon landings to evaluate potential improvements in passenger protection during impact.