The balloon was landing in a suitable paddock at the completion of a 50 minute charter flight. During this time the wind strength had increased from 5-8 kt to 8-12 kt, and at touch down the basket tipped over on its side, which is normal under these conditions as the balloon deflates. However the length of drag across the ground was longer than anticipated, and the balloon did not stop until the envelope contacted a tree in its path, becoming entangled in the branches which caused damage to the envelope material. Long grass in the paddock, providing less friction than normal against the side of the basket, combined with a wind gust, have been assessed as the reasons for the extended drag on landing.
