AAIB investigation to Cameron Z-275, G-VBFT
Balloon struck unseen power lines during landing, Earls Colne, Essex, 10 April 2025
The balloon struck power cables during landing and severed them. The pilot did not see the cables until the balloon landed, and they were not depicted on any of the maps he used. The cables caused an ignition source which initiated a fire beneath the basket and caused metal parts of its structure to become electrically live. All those on board evacuated the basket. Two passengers were injured with one sustaining an electric shock.
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Published 8 January 2026