AAIB investigation to Cameron Z-133, G-CLZI
Power line strike, field at Langley Green, Warwickshire, 29 May 2026
The balloon was on the final approach to a field in Langley Green, Warwickshire when the pilot spotted a set of ‘domestic’ type electricity cables. Despite attempting to climb, the front lower edge of the basket struck the cables, which shorted against each other and fell to the ground. There was no damage to the balloon or basket and no injuries to its occupants. The balloon landed safely further down the field.
Pilots must identify cables visually because only the high-tension sets are marked on charts and maps. Spotting them can be challenging both due to the light conditions at the time balloons generally fly and the location of the cables, which can be obscured by trees and structures. The investigation found that there was no comprehensive database recording the locations of electricity and telecommunications cables from which an electronic map for pilots could be generated.
Download the report:
Download glossary of abbreviations: