Two passengers were injured when a hot air balloon struck overhead power cables while landing in Essex, causing a fire and electrifying the basket, according to a report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
The incident happened on April 10 last year when a Cameron Z-275 balloon carrying one pilot and ten passengers descended into a field near Earls Colne Airfield after a 40-minute flight from Petersfield village in Gosfield. The pilot, who had 332 hours of experience, cleared one visible set of power lines but failed to spot a second, lower set until the basket had already touched the ground.
The AAIB said the basket dragged along the field and the balloon’s envelope struck the wires, pulling them down and causing them to fall onto the basket. Grass beneath the balloon caught fire and smoke began to rise, prompting the pilot to order an immediate evacuation.
Because the fallen cables made parts of the basket electrically live, one passenger received an electric shock while stepping onto the ground. Another passenger injured their ankle while trying to get out of the basket. Emergency services were called, and firefighters put out the fire and treated the injured.
The electrocuted passenger was taken to hospital with minor burns, chest pain and a sprained ankle. The second injured passenger was treated for an ankle injury and a headache.
The investigation found that the power cables were not marked on the navigation maps used by the pilot. The AAIB said the pilot followed evacuation procedures but did not have time to warn passengers about the risk of electric shock.
A Virgin spokesperson said the pilot acted quickly and ordered a prompt exit from the basket to protect passenger safety.
