What happened
On November 16, 2024, at approximately 13:15, a hot air balloon carrying a pilot, a crew member, and seven passengers departed from Krems Gneixendorf Airport (LOAG) for a flight toward the Wachau region. During the approach for landing, the pilot attempted to adjust the descent rate using the vent valves.
As the balloon approached the ground with a descent rate of approximately 0.8 meters per second, the pilot partially opened the Smart Vent. The balloon made initial contact with the ground at a forward speed of roughly 15 km/h, causing the basket to tilt slightly before briefly lifting off the surface again. During this moment, a passenger alerted the pilot to an individual on the ground who appeared to be injured. In response, the pilot fully opened the Smart Vent while at an altitude of approximately 1 meter.
This action caused the balloon to make a second contact with the ground approximately 20 meters from the initial touchdown, traveling at about 6 km/h. The balloon continued to drag along the ground for approximately 70 meters before coming to a halt against a forest bordering the field. While the basket remained upright, the balloon envelope became entangled in the trees.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events during the landing phase, specifically the pilot's use of the Smart Vent and the subsequent ground contact and dragging motion.
Findings
- The pilot and crew members, along with six passengers, were able to exit the basket independently.
- One passenger was unable to exit the basket on her own and required medical treatment from the arriving emergency medical helicopter crew.
- The balloon envelope sustained minor damage due to the entanglement in the trees.
- The basket sustained no damage during the incident.