Summary
The ATSB is investigating a weather event involving a balloon display of multiple tethered balloons at Wangaratta Racecourse, Victoria, on 11 April 2026.
During a static balloon display, multiple tethered balloons encountered a sudden change of wind conditions.
One of the tether ropes for GUS-69 amateur-built balloon, registered VH-XUP, failed and the balloon became airborne before colliding with terrain, resulting in injuries to a person on the ground.
The tether rope on Kavanagh Balloons D-77, registered VH-CZX, was placed under extreme tension and the basket became briefly airborne before landing hard, resulting in injuries to an additional person on the ground.
The evidence collection phase of the investigation will involve interviewing witnesses and involved parties, reviewing recorded data, and the collection of other relevant information.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified during the course of the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties, so that appropriate safety action can be taken.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | AO-2026-070 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/04/2026 |
| Location | About 6.5 km north-north-west of Wangaratta Airport |
| State | Victoria |
| Report status | Pending |
| Anticipated completion | Q3 2026 |
| Investigation level | Short |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation phase | Evidence collection |
| Investigation status | Active |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Cabin injuries, Collision with terrain, Ground operations - Other, Hard landing, Turbulence/windshear/microburst |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Amateur Built Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Model | GUS-69 |
| Registration | VH-XUP |
| Serial number | GUS-01 |
| Sector | Balloon |
| Operation type | Part 131 Balloons and hot air airships |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Sport and pleasure flying-Other sport and pleasure flying |
| Departure point | Near Wangaratta Racecourse, Victoria |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Kavanagh Balloons |
|---|---|
| Model | D-77 |
| Registration | VH-CZX |
| Serial number | D77-549 |
| Sector | Balloon |
| Operation type | Part 131 Balloons and hot air airships |
| Activity | General aviation / Recreational-Sport and pleasure flying-Other sport and pleasure flying |
| Departure point | Near Wangaratta Racecourse, Victoria |