Two fatalities in hot air balloon collision with power lines near Montescaglioso

Casualties unknown • Montescaglioso (MT), IT

A recreational hot air balloon flight ended in tragedy when the aircraft struck medium-voltage power lines, causing two passengers to fall from the basket.

What happened

On October 8, 2015, a Theo Schroeder fire balloons G 30-24 hot air balloon, registration D-OJZW, was conducting a recreational flight near Montescaglioso, Italy, as part of preparations for the Matera Balloon Festival. During the descent phase of the flight, the aircraft struck a 20,000-volt medium-voltage power line.

The impact caused a significant electrical arc between the conductors, which ignited a fire on board after a fuel line was ruptured. The force of the collision and the sudden tilt of the basket caused the two passengers, who were seated in the front of the basket, to fall to the ground. The first passenger fell near the damaged power line, while the second fell approximately 160 meters away. The pilot managed to perform an emergency landing, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage and the pilot sustained injuries.

The investigation

The ANSV investigation examined the flight trajectory, the condition of the wreckage, and environmental factors. Investigators analyzed photographs taken by a bystander, which captured the aircraft's descent and the subsequent fire. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's testimony and the technical specifications of the power line infrastructure.

Evidence showed that the impact occurred at approximately 8 knots. The collision with the wires caused the basket's structural integrity to be compromised, specifically breaking two suspension cables. The investigation also noted that the power line lacked any visual markers or warning signs, and the sun's position directly in front of the pilot's flight path likely hindered the detection of the wires.

Findings

  • Inadequate visual acquisition of obstacles by the pilot was the primary cause of the collision.
  • The pilot's position at the rear of the basket, with passengers positioned in front, likely obstructed a clear view of the flight path during descent.
  • The sun's azimuth (approximately 130°) created glare that made identifying the power lines more difficult.
  • The power line infrastructure lacked visual signaling, and the height of the pylons on hilly terrain made the wires difficult to spot.
  • Inadequate flight planning regarding the identification of significant obstacles in the operational area contributed to the accident.

Probable cause

The accident was primarily caused by the pilot's failure to timely detect power lines in the descent path, exacerbated by the sun's glare, the pilot's obstructed view behind the passengers, and the lack of visual markings on the electrical infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the null Theo Schroeder fire balloons G 30-24 accident near Montescaglioso (MT), IT?

A recreational hot air balloon flight ended in tragedy when the aircraft struck medium-voltage power lines, causing two passengers to fall from the basket.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a Theo Schroeder fire balloons G 30-24, registration D-OJZW, at Montescaglioso (MT), IT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was primarily caused by the pilot's failure to timely detect power lines in the descent path, exacerbated by the sun's glare, the pilot's obstructed view behind the passengers, and the lack of visual markings on the electrical infrastructure.

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