The romance of flying on bright colorful balloons attracts lovers and thrill-seekers. Before you go on a flight, it will be useful to know if it is dangerous to ride a balloon.
Tragic incidents while flying in hot air balloons
Walking over the city and its surroundings in hot air balloons is a very unusual entertainment, but even with all its rarity, it was not without sad statistics. Here is an incomplete list of recent tragic incidents:
• In Turkey, in 2013, 24 tourists were injured and 1 died as a result of a balloon fall.
• In the same 13th year, 18 people died in a balloon accident in Luxor.
• In 2012, balloons fell in Slovenia and New Zealand, the results are tragic - 15 people died!
What is the principle of balloon flights
Balloons, both large balloons and small toy balloons, float in the air like fish in water. The principle of movement is exactly the same.
The balloon is filled with gas, which is lighter than air, so the balloon rises up, carrying a basket with passengers. It displaces air and tends higher as long as its weight is less. When it is no longer necessary to go up further, they stop supplying gas. The balloon gradually descends as the temperature drops.
What accidents can happen in a hot air balloon flight
One of the most terrible dangers that lie in wait for balloonists is damage to the balloon shell. This part of the balloon is the most vulnerable. There were cases when balloons fell due to collisions in the air and rupture of the shells.
Also, a fragile structure can simply catch fire due to improper handling of the burner. The danger also lies in the high-voltage wires, which are very easy to touch for an inexperienced balloon pilot. As always, do not forget about the notorious human factor!
Some of the victims of balloon accidents could have been avoided if passengers did not panic and listen to the instructor. Tourists simply lost their composure and jumped out of the basket. Thus, the ball lost its weight and soared upward, while the rest continued to jump from ever greater heights. In such a situation, even an experienced pilot cannot do anything, therefore, when undertaking such risky journeys, be prepared to remain calm.
It does not hurt to ask for a certificate of air balloon airworthiness before walking above the ground. Choose companies with certifications in this area. If technical supervision is in place, there is no risk of injury while flying in a hot air balloon. According to statistics, parachute jumping and paragliding entertainment are much more dangerous and traumatic.
