What happened
On March 9, 2014, a Balloon Works Firefly 7-15 hot air balloon, registration F-GPHB, departed from Sommières for a planned one-hour flight. The flight initially proceeded at an altitude of 1,200 feet with a ground speed of 10 knots. However, as the wind shifted toward the south, the balloon drifted toward a wooded, hilly area that the pilot deemed unsuitable for flight. To avoid this terrain, the pilot decided to perform an early landing in an open field located between vineyards.
As the basket approached the ground, the aircraft encountered a sudden wind gust. This caused the basket to strike the ground forcefully and bounce, resulting in the basket being dragged for approximately 50 meters. During the impact, the movement of the other occupants caused one passenger to fall against a cylinder, resulting in a broken clavicle.
The investigation
The investigation examined the meteorological conditions and the aircraft's operational parameters. Prior to takeoff, the pilot had consulted three different weather sources, all of which predicted consistent surface winds between 4 and 8 knots. At the time of the accident, local observations near Villevieille indicated south-southwest winds of 5 to 8 knots, with gusts reaching 10 to 15 knots.
The pilot, who had 180 flight hours, had briefed the three passengers on proper landing procedures, instructing them to hold the handles firmly, keep their knees flexible, and remain in the basket until the craft had come to a complete stop. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's flight manual, which notes that during certification testing, the maximum wind speed for landing was 7 knots. The manual also describes the possibility of a "dog niche" landing—a maneuver where the basket tips and is dragged—during high winds, though it does not specify a maximum operational wind limit.
Findings
- The primary cause of the impact was a sudden wind gust encountered just before touchdown.
- While the passengers were briefed on safety positions, the sudden nature of the bounce likely prevented them from maintaining their grip.
- The impact and subsequent drag of the basket led to the passenger's injury.