What happened
On April 30, 2024, a KUBICEK BB142 hot air balloon, registered F-HVIO, was conducting a commercial sightseeing flight near Rosiers-sur-Loire, France. The flight, operated by Montgolfière Sensation, carried the pilot and eighteen passengers.
During the flight, the pilot attempted several landings. After the first attempted landing site was deemed inaccessible due to ground access limitations, the pilot identified a second field for landing. However, during the approach to this second site, the pilot encountered wind gusts and, fearing the balloon envelope might collapse toward nearby houses, decided to perform a go-around.
While maneuvering at a low altitude to land just past a small village, the basket of the F-HVIO struck a medium-voltage power line situated approximately 10 meters above the ground. The collision caused the basket to tilt and triggered an electric arc and a detonation as the cables made contact. The pilot continued the flight and eventually landed at a different location after being unable to use a third field due to the presence of a farmer.
The investigation
The BEA investigation utilized GNSS data, pilot statements, passenger testimonies, and video footage captured by a local resident. The investigation examined the flight path, the weather conditions, and the physical impact on the electrical infrastructure.
Technical analysis of the power lines revealed that the collision caused a short-circuit, activating network protection circuit breakers. The impact also resulted in significant damage to the base of a concrete utility pole, which required replacement. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's flight experience and the operational procedures of the operator.
Findings
- The pilot performed a go-around at a low altitude to avoid potential envelope collapse over residential buildings.
- The pilot failed to identify the power line while climbing over the village area.
- The collision with the three-strand steel cable caused an electric arc and physical damage to the electrical network.
- The pilot likely underestimated the risks associated with low-altitude flight in urbanized areas, specifically the difficulty of spotting obstacles like power lines during a climb.