An investigation by the aviation watchdog has found that pilot errors and windy weather led to a hot air balloon accident that left two people seriously injured on New Year’s Eve in Victoria.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said passengers aboard a scenic charter flight by operator Picture This Ballooning near the Yarra Valley in December received an “incomplete” pre-flight passenger safety briefing.
The bureau’s director of transport safety Stuart Macleod said the inadequate instructions “probably” resulted in three passengers adopting an inappropriate deep squat position prior to the hard landing, causing two of them to be seriously injured.
“Not all required actions were completed during the pre-flight briefing, probably due to time pressure and the pilot’s assumption that all passengers would understand an abbreviated briefing,” he said.
Additionally, despite windy conditions, the pilot rejected several suitable landing fields to avoid logistical and operational difficulties after landing.
“While some landing options may not be ideal due to the impact on landowner relations, or the ease of access to the site after landing, pilots are reminded to prioritise occupant safety over such considerations, when faced with deteriorating wind conditions,” Mr Macleod said.
The incident occurred on December 31 last year, when 16 passengers and one balloon pilot set out for a ride near Glenburn, north of the Yarra Valley.
The pilot was notified about the windy conditions and assessed multiple landing options before making an approach to land in a field.
During the approach, the pilot manoeuvred the balloon to clear a fence before descending rapidly to avoid contact with nearby powerlines, and made a hard landing.
The basket tipped onto its side and was dragged 30 to 40 metres, resulting in two passengers sustaining serious leg injuries.
The investigation found the maximum number of passengers the balloon operator allowed meant there was insufficient room for them to adopt the backwards-facing landing position specified in the operator’s procedures.
As a result, Picture This Ballooning has reduced the maximum number of passengers the balloon can carry to ensure all passengers can achieve the required position.
The operator is also reviewing maximum passenger capacities on all of its balloons.
