Aviation safety investigations & reports
Colt 240A, VH-WMS, 5 km S of Alice Springs NT, 23 August 1987
Investigation number:
198700744
198700744
Status: Completed

Summary
The balloon operator had arranged a familiarisation flight for visiting travel agents. After some low and higher level demonstrations, the pilot descended the balloon to drift at treetop level above the Todd riverbed. As he was aware of powerlines in the vicinity he elected to land on a clearing just ahead. The pilot activated the rip panel which resulted in a high descent rate and very hard landing. The pilot became committed to the landing on unsuitable terrain after choosing to descend too early. The pilot of another balloon, that had been operating in company with this balloon, had delayed his descent a short time and made a successful landing on an open area. This accident was not the subject of an on-site investigation.
General details
Date: | 23 August 1987 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 710 | ||||
Location: | 5 km S of Alice Springs | ||||
State: | Northern Territory | Occurrence type: | Hard landing | ||
Release date: | 11 September 1987 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | Serious |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Thunder & Colt Balloons | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 240 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-WMS | |
Serial number | 994 | |
Type of operation | Ballooning | |
Damage to aircraft | Nil | |
Departure point | Alice Springs NT | |
Departure time | 0710 | |
Destination | Alice Springs NT |