A hot air balloon accident in Zielona Góra kills one pilot, with investigation focusing on a damaged tablet that may hold crucial data.
Tragic Accident Details
The tragedy occurred on March 9 at around 8 AM in the center of Zielona Góra. A hot air balloon with three women in the basket hit a building on Krzywoustego Street. A 28-year-old Jagoda Gancarek fell from the basket and landed on a roof. The pilot was resuscitated, but her life could not be saved.
The other two women flew the damaged balloon to the area of Chrobrego Street, where it landed on the road. They did not suffer serious injuries and exited the basket themselves.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation in this case is being conducted by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra. The causes of the accident will also be clarified by the State Commission for Aircraft Accident Investigation.
Documentation related to the balloon and amateur recordings of the flight over the city have been secured. Eyewitnesses to the event and two people who participated in the flight have also been questioned.
Training Flight Nature
“I can confirm that this was not a commercial flight, but rather a training flight. Both ladies who were also in the balloon were learning to fly,” said prosecutor Ewa Antonowicz, spokeswoman for the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra in an interview with Wp.pl.
“One had been learning for some time, the other was just starting her adventure,” she added. “All versions are being investigated. We are taking into account technical issues, flight handling style.”
Crucial Tablet Evidence
Data from navigation devices may prove to be key. However, their recovery will not be simple.
“The recovery of data from the tablet, which was destroyed and found in front of the building that the girls hit, may take time. We don’t know to what extent it will be technically possible to open it and access the data contained in it,” said prosecutor Ewa Antonowicz.
“However, we have assurances from the commission that they will try to do it,” she added.
Prior Incident Being Investigated
The prosecutor’s office will also investigate reports of an incident involving the same balloon that occurred a few days before the accident. At that time, the balloon had to make an emergency landing.
