Electrical contact during balloon landing attempt in Northern Ireland

Casualties unknown • County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, GB

A Lindstrand 90 hot air balloon struck a transformer pole during a landing attempt near Co Londonderry, resulting in electrical burns to the pilot.

What happened

On 17 June 1999, a Lindstrand 90 hot air balloon, registration EI-CRB, was conducting a private flight near Co Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Following a routine takeoff and approximately 30 minutes of flight, the pilot observed increasing surface winds and decided to terminate the flight. The intended flight path crossed a densely populated area containing farm buildings, residences, and woodland, as well as several utility structures including a power line and a transformer pole.

The pilot aimed to navigate past these obstacles and land in a clear area beyond the trees where a previous successful landing had occurred. However, while flying at approximately 300 feet above ground level, a sudden wind gust caused the envelope to distort, leading to a rapid loss of altitude. To prevent an immediate landing in the congested area, the pilot utilized maximum burner power to stop the descent. During this maneuver, the balloon made contact with a transformer pole. The contact resulted in electrical burns to the pilot's arm, while the three passengers remained uninjured.

The investigation

The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry established that the meteorological conditions at the time of the flight, based on forecasts from Aldergrove airport, had predicted surface winds of 7 knots. The investigation examined the sequence of events leading from the decision to land to the impact with the utility pole and the subsequent incapacitation of the commander.

Findings

  • The descent was triggered by a wind gust that distorted the balloon envelope.
  • The pilot attempted to use maximum burner power to arrest the rapid descent and avoid landing in a populated area.
  • Contact with the transformer pole caused the pilot to sustain injuries.
  • The pilot became incapacitated following the electrical contact, necessitating that a passenger, who was a trainee balloon pilot, take control to land the aircraft safely.
  • The aircraft sustained no structural damage and returned to service.

Probable cause

A sudden gust of wind caused the balloon envelope to distort and the aircraft to descend rapidly, leading to contact with a transformer pole during an attempt to avoid a landing in a congested area.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-06-17 LINSTRAND 90 - HOT AIR BALL accident near County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, GB?

A Lindstrand 90 hot air balloon struck a transformer pole during a landing attempt near Co Londonderry, resulting in electrical burns to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-06-17 involved a LINSTRAND 90 - HOT AIR BALL, registration EI-CRB, at County Londonderry, Northern Ireland, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A sudden gust of wind caused the balloon envelope to distort and the aircraft to descend rapidly, leading to contact with a transformer pole during an attempt to avoid a landing in a congested area.

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