Citation

Cowl CT, Jones MP, Lynch CF, Sprince NL, Zwerling CS, Fuortes LJ. J. Am. Med. Assoc. JAMA 1998; 279(13): 1011-1014.

Affiliation

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9533500

Abstract

CONTEXT: Despite the increased popularity of hot-air balloon flight, data on injuries and fatalities associated with hot-air balloon crashes are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with injury and death in hot-air balloon crashes. DESIGN: Retrospective review of data collected from reports and investigations by the Civil Aeronautics Board and the National Transportation Safety Board. STUDY SUBJECTS: Individuals involved in US hot-air balloon crashes from 1964 to 1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total number of crashes and factors associated with fatality or serious injury. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.