NTSB completes investigation into Rochester hot air balloon crash

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Federal investigators say a pilot failed to maintain a safe distance from power lines and crashed while attempting to land a plane. Hot air balloon in Rochester earlier this year.

On March 20, shortly before 7 p.m., a hot air balloon with three people on board crashed near US Highway 63.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilot was attempting to land the balloon in a field when the wind shifted and became stronger.

The report states that the pilot attempted to abort the landing, but failed and the balloon struck power lines. The basket and balloon lost their connection, causing the basket to fall 20 to 30 feet.

The balloon’s contact caused an arc that severed 12 of the 16 flying wires. The remaining wires failed in a manner consistent with an overload, the NTSB said.

A small fire broke out next to the basket, which was quickly extinguished by the fire department.

According to investigators, there were no mechanical problems with the balloon.