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.