AO-2022-001

The balloon's basket lies on its side at the accident site in a cattle paddock. The deflated balloon envelope lies folded in the field.
The accident balloon at the site. Photo: TAIC
Ultramagic, S.A. N-250, ZK-MET, Pilot ejection from basket on landing, Lyndhurst, near Methven, 1 January 2022
Status
Current
Occurrence Date
Report Publication Date
Jurisdiction
NZ
During a rough landing, a hot air balloon pilot was ejected from the basket, caught in a rope, and dragged across a farm paddock before the balloon came to rest and the basket tipped over. The pilot was seriously injured in the accident.
[As initially reported, subject to change, not official findings].
Location
Ashburton, NZ (-43.690020,171.730035) [may be approximate]