Passenger suffered electric shock in balloon crash

A passenger in a hot air balloon suffered an electric shock when it struck a series of low-level power cables as it landed, an investigation has revealed.

One pilot and 10 passengers were onboard the Cameron Z-275 craft, operated by Virgin Balloon Flights, during the landing near Earls Colne in Essex on 10 April.

A report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded that while the pilot had seen a row of power lines parallel to the road, he had not seen a second line of cables.

After severing the cables, a fire was ignited under the basket and metal parts of the structure conducted the electricity, inspectors said

The hot air balloon had taken off from Petersfield Village - which is a retail and business park - in Gosfield in Essex at about 17:00 BST.

After 40 minutes in the air, the pilot chose a field off Newhouse Road to land in because Earls Colne airfield was closed.

The report said the crew member did not see a line of cables which was 30ft (9.1m) away from the road.

The fuel cylinders were turned off, but the fallen wires started a fire on the surrounding grass and smoke began to come from under the basket.

Two passengers were injured as the hot air balloon was evacuated, including a man who suffered the shock.

He was treated in hospital for minor burn injuries, and also suffered a sprained ankle and chest pains.

Fire crews gave first aid, cooled the balloon's cylinders and worked with UK Power Networks to make the scene safe.

The investigation concluded the pilot followed his flight manual correctly by directing his passengers to landing positions.

"There was insufficient time for the pilot to explain that parts of the basket structure might be electrically live, or that people should not touch the ground and the basket simultaneously," the report said.

The power cables that the pilot struck were not depicted on any of the maps he used, the inspectors continued.

A Virgin spokesman said after the incident: "The pilot responded swiftly and with the utmost care, ordering a prompt disembarkation of the basket to ensure passenger safety."

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