A hot air balloon crash in Essex left two passengers injured, including one who suffered an electric shock after the balloon hit power cables during landing.
Hot Air Balloon Incident in Essex Results in Injuries
A hot air balloon passenger suffered serious injuries after the craft hit power cables, causing an electric shock. The balloon also had “significant fire damage” from the incident, which caused another passenger to sustain an ankle injury.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out on the balloon after it severed power cables during its descent into a field. There were 10 passengers and one pilot aboard the Cameron Z-275 hot air balloon in Essex on 10 April last year.
Investigation Findings
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) produced a report on the incident. The report concluded that the pilot failed to spot the low-level power cables.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 10 April last year |
| Location | Essex |
| Passengers | 10 |
| Pilot | 1 |
| Injuries | Serious injuries and ankle injury |
Passenger Experiences
The injured passenger suffered an electric shock when stepping off the balloon into the field after the landing severed power cables. Another passenger sustained an ankle injury while disembarking.
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to the scene by a passing motorist and the balloon pilot. The report stated that the pilot made an approach to what he believed was an appropriate landing area, recognizing that power cables ran along the road bordering the chosen field.
Pilot’s Actions
The pilot successfully landed just beyond the wires. Only when the balloon basket touched down did the pilot recognize a second set of wires in the field. As the basket dragged along the ground, the envelope broke the wires, causing them to contact parts of the basket structure and fall to the ground.
Evacuation and Safety
After a fire broke out, the pilot ordered passengers to evacuate the basket. In their rush, there was no time to explain that parts of the basket may have been electrified. This led to the passenger suffering an electric shock while touching the basket as he reached the ground.
Flight Details
The hot air balloon took off from Petersfield Village at around 5 PM. After 40 minutes in the air, the pilot started the landing process in a field off Newhouse Road.
Company Statement
A Virgin spokesman stated, “The pilot responded swiftly and with the utmost care, ordering a prompt disembarkation of the basket to ensure passenger safety.”
