What happened
On 22 September 2011, a Lindstrand LBL 330A hot air balloon, registered G-LRGE, was preparing for a commercial passenger flight near Micheldever, Hampshire. Following a standard safety briefing for the 14 passengers on board, the pilot initiated the launch sequence. During the operation of the quick release mechanism, the pilot's gloved right thumb became caught in the section of the tether rope that passes through a 4-inch diameter ring attached to the basket.
As the balloon ascended, the tension on the rope pulled the pilot's thumb toward the ring, obstructing the rope's movement and partially dragging the pilot out of the basket. The force eventually caused the upper joint of the thumb to snap back, releasing the digit. Due to the surrounding trees at the launch site, the pilot could not return to the original location and instead performed a landing in a field approximately one mile away. The pilot required surgery for the serious injury sustained to his thumb.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanics of the quick release system and the pilot's handling of the tether ropes. It was noted that the basket's position had placed the quick release mechanism and the ring in close proximity. The pilot, an experienced balloonist with 2,700 flying hours, suggested that he may have attempted to create necessary tension in the ropes by holding onto the tether, which led to his thumb becoming trapped. The investigation also looked into the pilot's use of a safety harness, which prevented him from being fully ejected from the basket during the incident.
Findings
- The pilot's gloved thumb became trapped by the tether rope as it moved through the ring during the release process.
- The pilot may have inadvertently created a dangerous situation by attempting to manually tension the ropes by holding them.
- The proximity of the quick release mechanism to the rope ring was a contributing factor.
- The pilot's safety harness and the sudden release of the thumb prevented a more catastrophic outcome.