Investigation number
200402949
Occurrence date
Location
Mareeba
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Wirestrike
Occurrence class
Serious Incident
Highest injury level
None

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.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Kavanagh Balloons
Model
B
Registration
VH-ROU
Serial number
B-400-250
Operation type
Ballooning
Sector
Balloon
Departure point
Mareeba, QLD
Departure time
0635 hours EST
Destination
Mareeba, QLD
Damage
Nil