Picture This Ballooning did not have any procedures for conducting vehicle-assisted deflation.
The ATSB is satisfied that these procedures should significantly reduce the likelihood of basket tipping and personnel injury when conducting a vehicle‑assisted deflation.
Picture This Ballooning developed a new procedure for deflation. This included the steps:
Clear radio communication is to be established between the PIC and the crew (Crew 1) driving the tow over vehicle.
Crew 2 shall be radio equipped and locate themself adjacent to the basket where a) they can maintain verbal contact with the PIC and b) maintain visual contact with the tow over vehicle. Crew 2 are to act as communication backup between PIC and Crew 1 if required.
PIC to instruct passengers to resume their landing positions in case the basket inadvertently gets pulled over onto its side.
