AAIB investigation to amateur-built balloon (DB-6R), G-CMFS
Amateur-built balloon (DB-6R), G-CMFS, balloon envelope collapsed in-flight, fell from height and struck the ground, Ombersley Court, Worcestershire, 25 June 2023
皇冠体育app pilot was taking part in a balloon competition. One part of the competition involved dropping a marker as close as possible to a target location. 皇冠体育app accident occurred whilst the balloon was climbing rapidly away from this target. 皇冠体育app balloon envelope collapsed, and the basket descended to the ground, fatally injuring the pilot.
皇冠体育app investigation found the balloon was likely to have suffered a parachute stall. 皇冠体育app balloon design, the weather conditions, and the rapid climb are all likely to have contributed to the accident.
Three Safety Recommendations are made to the British Ballooning and Airship Club (BBAC) to: develop an effective reporting culture within the ballooning community; issue guidance on the prevention and recovery from unsafe conditions such as parachute stalls; and issue guidance regarding jettisoning of fuel tanks during an emergency.
Two Safety Recommendations are made to the CAA to: publish guidance on the design, testing and inspection of amateur balloons insofar as these activities relate to unsafe conditions such as parachute stalls; and publish guidance related to the oversight of competition balloon flying.
Download the report:
Safety Recommendation Document:
Download glossary of abbreviations: