Accident to the Cameron Colt 120A registered G-BXCO on 30/07/2023 at Augy

This is a courtesy translation by the BEA of the Final Report on the Safety Investigation. As accurate as the translation may be, the original text in French is the work of reference.

Note: the following information is principally based on the pilot’s statement. This information has not been independently validated by the BEA.

1. History of the flight

The pilot was taking part in a mass ascent from Chambley aerodrome as part of the Grand Est Mondial Air Ballons festival.

The pilot indicated that the weather conditions were good at the take-off site and that the take-off at 06:50 proceeded normally. However, the strength of the wind increased more than forecast and after a flight time of roughly 40 min, the pilot decided to carry out an emergency landing. He estimated that the balloon’s speed at this point was at least 25 kt. During the landing, the basket tipped over and the pilot’s shoulder was in contact with the ground while the nacelle was being dragged along. The pilot suffered a fracture of the left humerus.

2. Additional information

The accident occurred around 10 NM north-east of Chambley aerodrome. Météo-France’s analysis of the weather conditions indicated:

• cumulus of 3 to 6 octas based at a height of between 300 and 400 m;
• light rain close-by, south of the accident site;
• visibility greater than 10 km;
• south-south-westerly wind of 4 to 11 kt progressively evolving into a westerly wind of 18 to 24 kt.

The pilot indicated that during the briefing which took place at 06:00, the wind given was 6 kt at ground level and 11 kt at 1,000 ft. The presence of cumulus was mentioned. He added that it would have been useful if the organisers had provided updated wind information. The organisers stopped take-offs at around 07:00 due to aerological conditions.

The pilot had totalled 253 balloon flight hours. He had carried out six flights during this festival.

April 2024