Causes Of Hot Air Balloon Accidents
Understanding the cause of a hot air balloon accident will help you determine who is responsible for it. That way you will know who should pay your damages. Here are some of the common causes of hot air balloon accidents:
Collisions with Other Hot Air Balloons
It is not every day that a hot air balloon collides with another hot air balloon, but it can happen. This is especially true in parks with hot air balloons where there is a high density of balloons per area. Don't forget that these balloons don't have precise navigation control system such as those used by airplanes and you will agree that the risk of a collision is real.
Fire Outbreaks
A hot air balloon operates on the principle that hot air expands, becomes lighter, and rises relative to the cold and denser air around it. The hot air then pushes the balloon as it rises. This hot air is generated by a burner, which is usually kept separate from the rest of the balloon. Any accident that introduces the fire to other parts of the balloon can cause a serious accident. For example, a malfunction of the burner, collision with other things or passenger carelessness can all result in a fire outbreak.
Collisions with Trees or Other Structures
Collisions with tall structures can also cause accidents, especially when the balloon is taking off or is about to land. Dangerous structures include tall trees, tall buildings, and power lines, among others. Power lines are particularly dangerous because they can cause fatal or severe electrical shocks or even start electrical fires; the later can burn down the entire balloon.
Rough Landings
Landing accidents occur if the balloon lands at a high speed or lands in a bad place. In such cases, the balloon can crash or get damaged depending on the landing spot, causing injuries to its occupants. A good example is when the balloon lands on a steep slope and then tumbles downwards with its occupants.
Bad Weather
Bad weather can cause any type of aircraft to crash onto the ground, crash into other structures or land in the wrong place. For example, a serious storm can push a hot air balloon out of its intended path and force it to land in a dangerous place. Another example is when blinding rain causes the craft to crash into other things.
Hot air balloons accidents aren't very common, but they can be very dangerous if they occur. This is because they don't have the safety precautions that other aircrafts have. This means your injuries are likely to be f you are involved in such an accident. Any claim stemming from such an accident is best handled by an accident lawyer office like Gartner Law Firm.
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