Two passengers injured after hot air balloon crashes into power cables

Monday, January 12, 2026 - Two passengers were injured after a hot air balloon struck power cables during landing, causing a fire and making the basket electrically live, according to a report released by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The incident occurred on April 10 last year in Essex. The AAIB said the impact with the wires brought down overhead electric cables, triggering a small fire on the ground. One passenger received an electric shock after touching the ground while still in contact with the metal basket frame, while another sustained an ankle injury while attempting to exit.

The balloon, a Cameron Z-275, had taken off from Petersfield village in Gosfield with one pilot and ten passengers shortly before 5pm. After roughly 40 minutes in flight, the pilot selected a field near Earls Colne Airfield for landing. The investigation found that the pilot, who had 332 hours of experience, saw one set of power cables along the field boundary and cleared them, but did not detect a second lower set until after the basket touched down.

The report stated: “Only when the balloon basket had touched down did the pilot recognise there was a second set of wires in the field… As the balloon basket dragged along the ground, the envelope broke the wires. The wires contacted parts of the basket structure and fell to the ground.”

Witnesses reported hearing the wires snap before grass near the balloon ignited. Smoke began rising from beneath the basket, prompting the pilot to order an immediate evacuation. Because the fallen wires had made parts of the structure electrically live, one passenger received a shock while climbing out.

Emergency services were called by the pilot and a passing motorist. Firefighters extinguished the fire and provided first aid. The electrocuted passenger was taken to hospital with minor burns, a sprained ankle and chest pains. The second injured passenger was treated for an ankle injury and a secondary headache.

The AAIB said the cables involved were not marked on the navigation maps used by the pilot. The report noted: “He evacuated the passengers according to the flight manual advice but did not have time to warn them of the risk of electric shock.”

A Virgin spokesperson said: “The pilot responded swiftly and with the utmost care, ordering a prompt disembarkation of the basket to ensure passenger safety.”