What happened
On October 18, 2022, an Ultramagic N-500 hot air balloon, registration TC-BOT, was conducting a commercial tourist flight near Çardak Village, Nevşehir. The flight, operated by Başkent Havacılık Balonculuk, included a pilot, an observer pilot, and 28 passengers.
During the flight, the crew encountered heavy fog, prompting the pilot to climb above the fog layer to maintain visibility. As the fog partially cleared, the pilot attempted to descend for a landing. However, during the descent, the balloon entered a downdraft (subsidence) caused by wind interacting with the local terrain. In an attempt to avoid a hard landing, the pilot aborted the landing and engaged all four burners to climb. During this maneuver, the basket struck the ground with significant force. The impact resulted in four injuries, including two passengers who sustained fractures.
The investigation
The UEİM investigation examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the pilot's credentials, and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's maintenance was up to date and that all airworthiness directives had been implemented. While the weight and balance calculations were within limits, the investigators noted that the loading chart lacked a date and the pilot's signature.
Furthermore, the investigation reviewed the company's procedures for alcohol and psychoactive substance testing. It was determined that the personnel performing these tests at the company level were not properly trained or authorized according to SHT-APAM requirements.