Investigation closed: hot-air balloon pilot found not at fault in fatal crash

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) has closed the investigation into last August’s deadly hot-air balloon accident. According to the national aviation prosecutor, the pilot bears no responsibility.

The incident took place on the evening of August 13 in De Hoeve, Friesland. As the balloon landed in strong winds, passengers fell from the basket, resulting in injuries. A 66-year-old woman died.

The woman who lost her life was a recognized veterinary assistant from Opsterland. She was on a company outing with colleagues when the tragic accident happened. The hot-air balloon carried 34 people in total: 32 passengers, the pilot, and a co-pilot. Five other passengers were also injured, with three sustaining serious injuries that required hospitalization.

The Royal Netherlands Aviation Association (KNVvL) reported that the balloon was descending at a “steady speed” before a sudden and unforeseeable gust of wind struck during the landing. The basket struck the ground violently, bounced multiple times, and was dragged across the meadow for several meters, throwing the passengers out in the process.

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) had predicted wind gusts of 10 to 14 knots that evening. In reality, gusts reached 17 knots during the landing, a difference that was critical for maintaining stability.

The investigation by the aviation police also revealed that wind speeds during the balloon flight were higher than previously known and could not have been anticipated. The OM concluded that the accident was the result of “an unfortunate combination of unforeseeable circumstances.”

The OM stated there was no indication that the pilot acted carelessly or failed in his preparations. “The investigation shows he carefully assessed the landing site and carried out the landing appropriately under the circumstances,” the OM stated. “With the benefit of hindsight and the findings of the investigation, the pilot was mistakenly considered a suspect.”