Hot air balloon 'did not crash' in Sharjah

 The hot air balloon incident in Sharjah, which resulted in five passengers and its pilot suffering varying types of injuries yesterday, was caused by a technical fault due to a burner misfire, the owner of the aircraft has said.

Sharjah Police had earlier said six tourists suffered “moderate to serious” injuries in the hot air balloon accident.

Ahmed bin Darwish, director of the central region police station, told local media that the police opened an investigation into the cause of the balloon’s crash.

In a statement sent to Arabian Business, the company that owns the hot air balloon, Balloon Adventures Emirates said the balloon did not “crash” in the incident, but completed a routine landing.

The company said he it has operated in the UAE with the highest international safety standards for the past 11 years.
“After landing there was a technical malfunction with the burner. Instead of switching off, it flashed in the direction of the pilot. It was actually at the conclusion of the flight as he stood up that it misfired and unfortunately hit him,” Adam McEwan, company partner, said in the statement.

Balloon Adventures Emirates said the burner misfire resulted in the pilot sustaining injuries with five guests receiving minor burns and scratches. It added that none of the guests were serious enough to require being admitted to hospital, but all received standard first aid.

The company said the pilot is one of the world’s most experienced commercial balloonists with over 2,200 flights over the past 20 years.

Balloon Adventures Emirates said all of its experienced European pilots hold European Union Pilot Licenses and all hot air balloons undergo a strict maintenance programme including regular inspections.