What happened
On June 26, 2022, an Ultramagic N-425 hot air balloon, registration TC-BDJ, was undergoing takeoff preparations in the Aşk Vadisi (Love Valley) area of Göreme, Türkiye. The flight, operated by Göktürk Balonculuk Havacılık Tur. Reklamcılık A.Ş., was carrying 17 passengers and two crew members (the pilot and an observer pilot) for a commercial tourist flight.
During the inflation process, the aircraft experienced significant instability due to sudden wind gusts, causing the balloon to oscillate violently. While the pilot continued heating the envelope to reach sufficient buoyancy, the ground crew was managing the tether. The investigation established that the ground crew released the tether line following instructions from bystanders, rather than following the pilot's direct orders to hold the line. Consequently, the balloon began to drift, striking a minibus and a car positioned in the takeoff path. The impact resulted in one minor injury to a passenger and caused damage to the balloon's basket, including cracks in the passenger compartment and a deformed upper frame. The two vehicles also sustained material damage.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation examined the flight preparations, meteorological conditions, and crew performance. The investigation found that the pilot had requested assistance from local authorities (Gendarmerie) to move vehicles out of the takeoff path, but proceeded with boarding passengers before the area was secured. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the pilot failed to perform an adequate meteorological assessment, as the ground wind speed exceeded the 10-knot limit permitted for passenger flights under current regulations.
Additionally, the investigation identified several procedural failures, including an incorrect weight and balance calculation (though not a contributing factor to the impact) and a failure by the operator to follow mandatory reporting protocols. The investigation also noted that the pilot continued the flight to complete the scheduled slot despite the occurrence of the incident and the presence of an injured passenger.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was human error, specifically the lack of coordination between the pilot and the ground crew and the ground crew's decision to release the tether against the pilot's instructions.
- The pilot failed to ensure ground safety by not waiting for the takeoff path to be cleared of vehicles.
- Meteorological conditions acted as a contributing factor, as wind speeds exceeded the regulatory limits for commercial balloon flights.
- The ground crew acted without following the pilot's direct commands due to interference from unauthorized persons at the launch site.
- The pilot failed to implement an immediate safety assessment or landing plan following the collision.