Cowl C T, Jones M P, Lynch C F, Sprince N L, Zwerling C, Fuortes L J
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn, USA.
JAMA. 1998 Apr 1;279(13):1011-4. doi: 10.1001/jama.279.13.1011.
Despite the increased popularity of hot-air balloon flight, data on injuries and fatalities associated with hot-air balloon crashes are limited.
To determine factors associated with injury and death in hot-air balloon crashes.
Retrospective review of data collected from reports and investigations by the Civil Aeronautics Board and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Individuals involved in US hot-air balloon crashes from 1964 to 1995.
Total number of crashes and factors associated with fatality or serious injury.
From 1964 to 1995, a total of 495 hot-air balloon crashes involving 1533 persons were reported and included 92 fatalities and 384 serious injuries. Pilot error or incapacitation was determined subjectively by crash investigators to contribute to 85.1% of the crashes. In univariate analysis, collision with the ground was the most significant predictor of a fatality or serious injury (P<.001), and power-line contact was the most significant predictor of fatality (P<.001). In multiple logistic regression, only the type of object struck by a balloon predicted a fatal crash or a fatality or serious injury.
Although a number of factors likely contribute to increased severity of hot-air balloon crashes, the object struck during a crash is most predictive of fatality or serious injury. Preventive efforts are needed to decrease future injuries.
