What happened
On February 23, 2025, a Cameron N-145 hot air balloon, registration I-CIBA, was conducting a local flight near Barberino Tavarnelli. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and three passengers, including a 9-year-old child. The flight, which lasted approximately 40 minutes, proceeded normally until the landing phase.
As the balloon attempted to land on a grassy area in the locality of Santa Cristina in Salivolpe, the basket made initial contact with the ground but did not come to an immediate halt. Instead, the basket continued to move across the wet grass, experiencing several jolts before sliding into a slightly sloped area. The movement lasted approximately 30 meters, during which the basket eventually tipped onto its side. While the aircraft sustained no damage, one adult passenger suffered serious injuries.
The investigation
The ANSV investigation examined the aircraft's technical specifications, meteorological data, and the flight crew's actions. The investigation noted that the I-CIBA was not equipped with any flight recorders or environmental monitoring devices.
Interviews with the pilot and passengers revealed that the pilot had provided a safety briefing regarding the required landing position (squatting and holding onto handles). However, the landing process was interrupted at a low altitude to seek an alternative landing field. The pilot suggested that an unexpected gust of wind may have contributed to the basket's continued movement across the slope. Regarding the injury, the pilot noted that the injured passenger likely failed to hold the internal handles because they were attempting to protect the minor passenger on board.
Findings
- The primary cause of the passenger's injury was the failure to maintain the prescribed landing position.
- An unexpected wind gust, significantly stronger than the prevailing light winds, may have contributed to the basket's uncontrolled movement.
- The pilot's recent flight experience was limited, as the previous flight in a balloon had occurred over a month prior, and the last flight in this specific aircraft had taken place three months earlier.