What happened
On the morning of 14 April 2005, a commercial hot air balloon flight carrying nine people—including the pilot and eight passengers—experienced a significant landing incident near Muldersdrift. As the hot air balloon, registration ZS-HZM, was attempting to land in an easterly direction at an indicated airspeed of 35 knots, the wind conditions shifted abruptly. This sudden change in wind direction caused the balloon to be dragged across the ground for approximately 200 meters. During this uncontrolled movement, the basket struck a fence and uprooted small trees before finally coming to a halt.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the meteorological conditions present at the time. The surface wind was recorded as a westerly breeze at 35 knots, with broken cloud layers at 2,000 feet and reduced visibility due to rain. The investigation confirmed that the pilot held a valid license and the aircraft was operating under a valid commercial certificate. Maintenance records showed that the most recent mandatory periodic inspection had been completed approximately 30 hours prior to the event. The investigation also verified that the aircraft's Certificate of Worthiness was current.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a sudden change in wind direction during the landing phase.
- The shift in wind resulted in a loss of directional control, leading to the dragging of the aircraft.
- The incident resulted in no injuries to the nine occupants on board.
- Significant damage was sustained by the aircraft, specifically affecting the basket, the scoop, the altimeter, the variometer, and two panels of the envelope.