Summary
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau did not conduct an on-scene investigation of this occurrence. The report presented below was derived from information supplied to the Bureau.
During an approach to land in a cleared area, the balloon basket contacted a powerline. The line stretched and broke and the balloon subsequently landed uneventfully. The balloon was not damaged, and all occupants evacuated without injury.
The pilot in command reported that he had seen a number of powerlines in the area but had not seen the lines that the balloon contacted. This was partially due to the lines being difficult to see because of background foliage.
The operator reported that training for their pilots in regard to searching for powerlines during an approach is being improved.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 200402949 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 11/08/2004 |
| Location | Mareeba |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 27/08/2004 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Wirestrike |
| Occurrence class | Serious Incident |
| Highest injury level | None |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Kavanagh Balloons |
|---|---|
| Model | B |
| Registration | VH-ROU |
| Serial number | B-400-250 |
| Sector | Balloon |
| Operation type | Ballooning |
| Departure point | Mareeba, QLD |
| Destination | Mareeba, QLD |
| Damage | Nil |