Overview
On 22 March 2023, a serious incident involving an Ultramagic N-425 hot air balloon, registration TC-BVS, occurred at Kılıçlar Vadisi (Zone 1) in Göreme, Nevşehir. The balloon was operated by Pelikan Havacılık Organizasyon Turizm Reklam Taşımacılık ve Ticaret Limited Şirketi. The pilot was the sole occupant; no passengers had boarded at the time of the incident.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot's statement, preparations for a planned sightseeing flight began at Kılıçlar Vadisi. After the Slot Service Center gave a green flag for flights, the balloon was set up. Cold inflation was performed first, followed by hot inflation. When the pilot ignited the burner, a leak in one of the gas cylinders caused a fire. The pilot and ground crew extinguished the fire using fire extinguishers. The balloon had not completed hot inflation, so passengers had not yet boarded.
Balloon Information
The balloon was an Ultramagic N-425 (serial number 425/96), manufactured in 2015. It had a maximum takeoff weight of 4140 kg and a total flight time of 855 hours and 40 minutes. The basket was an Ultramagic C12 (serial C-12/108) from 2019, and the burner was an Ultramagic MK-32 (serial 0633-0634-0635-0636) from 2019. The four fuel tanks (Ultramagic M-40D, serials 0605-0606-0607-0608) were manufactured in 2011 and had a total capacity of 160 kg of liquid propane. Examination of the fuel system revealed no physical defects on the cylinder components, but a loosening was found at the cylinder connection disconnect.
Damage
The balloon sustained light damage. Specifically, the canopy control lines showed melting where attached to the basket frame. The basket had burn damage to the leather, upright cover, and wicker in the pilot compartment area. The burner fuel hose was damaged. One fuel tank cover melted, and three fuel tanks had melting of the upper rim protective rubber. No third-party property damage or injuries occurred.
Injuries
The pilot sustained one minor injury. No other injuries were reported.
Probable Cause
The incident occurred when a gas leak from a cylinder ignited upon burner firing during hot inflation.