What happened
On 28 August 2010, a Lindstrand LBL180A balloon, registration G-CBZU, was conducting a public transport flight near Sarratt, Hertfordshire. Before departure, the pilot provided a safety briefing that included a practical demonstration of the brace position required for landing.
After approximately 90 minutes of flight, the pilot signaled the intention to land in a pre-planned field. However, during the final approach, the balloon encountered an updraft that caused it to climb away from the intended site. To avoid livestock in an adjacent field, the pilot opted to land in a different location.
As the balloon descended toward this new site, the pilot warned the passengers of an impending rapid descent and a "big bump." While most passengers followed the instructed brace position, one passenger remained standing to operate a video camera. The resulting descent was sudden and forceful, causing the basket to strike the ground with significant impact. During the impact, the standing passenger suffered an injury to his knee.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence, the pilot's decision-making regarding livestock, and the passenger's compliance with safety instructions. Evidence from video footage captured by the passenger confirmed the pilot's verbal warning regarding the descent 12 seconds before touchdown.
Medical evidence was also reviewed regarding the passenger's injury. Although the passenger initially believed he had merely aggravated a pre-existing condition, subsequent medical examinations determined that the impact had caused a fracture to the knee.