What happened
On 4 September 2011, a Lindstrand Balloon LBL210A with registration ZS-HVA was performing a non-scheduled scenic flight in the Steelpoort area of the Northwest province. The flight, which included the pilot and eight passengers, was approaching an open field for landing at approximately 0700Z.
Prior to the descent, the pilot had successfully closed the first cylinder and vented the associated line to burn off excess propane. However, as the aircraft approached the ground, the pilot closed the second cylinder but was unable to vent the second line in time. A sudden gust of wind caused the basket to touch down earlier than anticipated. As the basket dragged across the field, it rotated from its long side onto the pilot's side. When the pilot eventually vented the second line, the resulting flame ignited the scoop of the envelope and three panels above the nomex. The pilot successfully evacuated all passengers and extinguished the fire using the onboard extinguisher.
While there were no fatalities, 3 passengers sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
SACAA AIID examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the mechanical state of the aircraft. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and rated for the operation, and the aircraft's maintenance records showed it had been maintained according to approved procedures. The mass of the balloon was within prescribed limits, and no equipment failures or system malfunctions were identified prior to the event. The investigation also noted that the operator held a valid air operator certificate and that all passengers had been issued tickets before departure.
Findings
- The primary cause of the fire was the failure to complete the "Before landing – checklist".
- A sudden gust of wind during the landing phase acted as a contributing factor, causing the basket to hit the ground prematurely.
- The pilot did not sufficiently anticipate the possibility of gusting winds, which prevented the necessary time required to finish venting the propane lines.