What happened
On March 14, 2015, a pilot operating an AT104 model 72TA "Econom" hot air balloon, registration RA-0691G, was scheduled to perform two separate flights. The first was a training flight conducted in the Kostroma region between 02:57 and 04:00. Following this morning operation, the pilot traveled toward the Dmitrov district in the Moscow region.
According to the pilot's account, after completing the morning flight, there was a period of rest. The pilot stated they slept in a vehicle during the transit from Kostroma to Dmitrov. The pilot reported that the transit occurred in a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which allowed for a comfortable period of sleep. The pilot arrived at the Aerovals Air Club base in Dmitrov around 13:00. The evening flight was intended to be a recreational flight for a new club member, as part of a membership agreement established in February 2015.