What happened
On June 19, 2016, a BB51Z hot air balloon completed a standard one-hour sightseeing flight near the settlement of Zátoň. Following a safe landing, the pilot decided to perform a non-standard procedure to load the basket onto a transport trailer. While the envelope was still partially inflated and vented, the pilot instructed the six passengers to exit the basket and assist the ground crew in maneuvering the basket toward the vehicle.
As the group attempted to move the basket, the individuals positioned between the basket and the trailer released their grips to avoid being pinched. This caused the balloon to lift unexpectedly to an altitude of approximately 5 to 10 meters. During the ascent, one passenger failed to release the basket's handles and was lifted into the air, hanging from the exterior of the basket.
Upon realizing the situation, the pilot attempted to descend by venting the envelope. During the subsequent descent, the hanging passenger fell against the edge of the transport trailer, sustaining a bruised chest. Simultaneously, a member of the ground crew attempted to push the basket away from the trailer to prevent further injury, resulting in a laceration to the head. The descent concluded with the envelope collapsing onto the still-active burners, causing damage to approximately 6 square meters of the balloon's fabric.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation examined statements from the pilot, passengers, and ground crew, as well as photographic evidence and meteorological data. The investigation established that the pilot was fully qualified and the aircraft was in good technical condition. The investigation focused on the decision-making process regarding the non-standard loading procedure and the coordination of the ground participants.
Findings
- The pilot chose a non-standard loading procedure to simplify the task and compensate for the small size of the ground crew.
- The pilot lost situational awareness regarding the immediate surroundings of the basket.
- The pilot underestimated the ability of unauthorized persons (passengers) to react independently to the balloon's vertical movement.
- The pilot failed to maintain full control of the situation immediately prior to the final touchdown.
- The incident resulted in two minor injuries and damage to the balloon envelope.