What happened
On 31 July 2012, a Cameron Z-350 hot air balloon, registration G-VBFH, was conducting a commercial passenger flight near Kirby Lonsdale, Cumbria. The flight concluded with a gentle landing in light wind conditions, leaving the basket in an upright position.
Following the touchdown, the pilot oversaw the initial exit of several passengers. During this process, the pilot and passengers worked to manage the control lines to ensure the envelope deflated safely. As the envelope lost enough air to stabilize the basket, the pilot directed the remaining passengers to disembark. During the exit, a female passenger fell from the basket to the ground, resulting in a serious injury to her leg. Emergency services were summoned to the scene to provide medical assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the passenger's fall. The pilot noted that the basket was equipped with footstep holes in the side to assist with boarding and exiting; however, it was noted that the passenger may not have utilized the lower of these steps when descending. The pilot also observed that the passenger might have misjudged the distance between the basket and the ground during her exit.
Findings
- The landing itself was successful and the basket remained upright.
- The passenger's fall was likely caused by misjudging the distance to the ground or failing to use the provided footstep holes during disembarkation.