What happened
On 13 August 2009, a Sky 260-2D hot air balloon, registration G-KTKT, departed from the Dome Leisure Centre in Doncaster for a commercial passenger flight. The flight, which included ten passengers and the pilot, lasted approximately 45 minutes under calm weather conditions. As the flight progressed, wind speeds increased from 4 knots to roughly 10 knots.
During the approach to a landing site near Brodsworth Hall, the pilot noted some turbulence within the valley. The landing was intended for a stubble field containing several large, rectangular straw bales. Upon touchdown, the basket bounced approximately 15 feet into the air before hitting the ground again. The basket then dragged across the field at walking speed for about 50 meters before striking one of the straw bales.
While most passengers disembarked without issue, one 67-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries, specifically fractures to both legs. The pilot contacted emergency services, and the passenger was transported to a local hospital.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances of the landing and the company's operational procedures. The investigation noted that the wind speed at the time of landing was within the flight manual's 15-knot limit. The investigators reviewed the company's operations manual, which mandates that passengers be briefed on landing positions and procedures. This includes instructions for passengers in partitioned baskets to bend their knees without sitting on the floor of the basket.
Furthermore, the investigation looked into the prevalence of similar incidents. Records indicated that since 1990, at least 20 commercial balloon accidents involving serious injuries had occurred, with a notable trend of the injured passengers being elderly. The investigation also found that not all commercial operators inform potential passengers at the time of booking that landings can be bumpy or involve the basket tipping and dragging.
Findings
- The landing site contained large straw bales which acted as an obstruction.
- The basket experienced a bounce and a subsequent drag across the terrain.
- The passenger was positioned in a way that left her vulnerable to the impact of the basket's movement.
- There is a lack of consistent industry-wide practice in informing passengers of the potential for bumpy landings during the booking process.