Investigation number
198800710
Occurrence date
Location
Broken Hill
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor

The crew was taking part in a competition which involved manoeuvring close to a cherry picker device. The flight path to the target required a quick descent to stay on course for the cherry-picker which was extended to 70 feet above ground level. The pilot made an approach to the target from 400 feet above ground level to about 100 feet but was unable to track to the target. The pilot activated the burners for his recovery from the descent as he passed the cherry picker, but the balloon descended to a lower height than anticipated and struck the roof of a house. When the basket was retarded by the roof, the envelope lay over downwind. The burners were still operating and burned a large hole in the envelope mouth. The balloon remained under control and landed in the next suitable paddock.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cameron Balloons Ltd
Model
N
Registration
N2980W
Serial number
N/K
Operation type
Ballooning
Departure point
Broken Hill NSW
Departure time
1720
Destination
Broken Hill NSW
Damage
Substantial