What happened
On 4 August 2003, a Lindstrand LBL 180A hot air balloon, registration G-OTUP, was conducting a public transport flight near Rylstone, Yorkshire. The flight, carrying one crew member and nine passengers, had been uneventful for approximately one hour. As the pilot began the landing approach from 1,000 feet, weather conditions appeared favorable, with a forecast surface wind of 120° at 4 knots. At an altitude of 1,000 feet, the pilot noted a southerly wind of approximately 3 to 4 knots.
The descent proceeded with an initial rate of 800 ft/min, which was reduced to 300 ft/min as the aircraft reached 200 feet. The intended landing site was a field situated north of a barn, west of a secondary road. However, as the balloon descended below 200 feet, the wind direction shifted to northerly and increased to over 6 knots. This change caused the balloon to drift south of the planned landing area. While attempting to land in an adjacent field, the pilot spotted an electricity pylon obscured by a tree just before touchdown.
Realizing that contact with the power lines was imminent, the pilot activated the rapid deflation panel. The balloon deflated directly over the wires, causing a short circuit to the electricity supply. There were no injuries to the crew or passengers, and no fire occurred, though six panels of the balloon nylon sustained damage.
The investigation
Investigators examined the flight path and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation focused on the discrepancy between the forecasted wind and the actual conditions experienced at low altitude. The pilot reported that the sudden shift to a northerly wind was unexpected and not typical for the local area during that time.