Much has been written to promote powerline safety among pilots. Even passengers undergo preflight briefings on powerline detection and notification. But what about those enthusiasts who help get balloons off the ground yet remain grounded themselves? Chase crews can, in fact, perform critical functions in both preventing powerline accidents and mitigating their consequences. If you crew, this report is for you.
As a fundamental precaution, you can help minimize potentially-dangerous distractions by limiting radio contact with the pilot, particularly during launching, low- altitude flight or landings. Yelling to the pilot from the ground is also a hazardous practice. Communicate with the pilot via radio and only during high altitude flight. Crew silence during the most critical phases of flight allows the pilot to concentrate on flying safely.
You can also help prevent accidents by alerting the pilot to the proximity of powerlines, as well as their precise location. Accidents have occurred when pilots saw different lines than those reported by the passengers or crews, and unwittingly flew directly into them.
The ground crew may even help prevent a powerline tragedy after the balloon has landed. If the balloon rests dangerously close to a powerline, even a gentle breeze can push the envelope against the wires. Upon touching the equipment, you could complete an electric circuit, sending voltage from the powerlines, through the balloon and yourself, and into the ground. Resist the inclination to pull the basket away from a powerline. Even the use of a drop line near powerlines is a dangerous practice.
Fortunately, balloon-related electrocutions are rare. Although hardly less
comforting, most powerline injuries and deaths result from falls, either when the
occupants fall from a dangling basket or fall with the basket when it’s severed from the
balloon and crashes to the ground. Fire is the second most common cause of
powerline-related injuries and death.
Since the chase crew is often first to arrive on the scene of a balloon accident, you should be adequately trained and properly equipped for an emergency response. Learn both CPR and first aid procedures, and review them regularly. Your chase vehicle should carry a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, printed emergency instructions with important telephone numbers, and a cellular telephone. Become familiar with the location and use of each.
Should a powerline accident occur, assess the scene for safety. If the lines are severed and touch the ground, park the vehicle at least 100 feet from the electric wires. Keep spectators at a distance, note the location of the accident, and call 911 as well as the local power company.
If the powerlines are intact and the site appears safe from electrical danger, approach the balloon with an extinguisher and first aid kit. Remember, though, that if the balloon Is still contacting wires, anyone standing on the ground who touches the equipment could be electrocuted. Balloon occupants should remain in the basket until the electricity has been disconnected. However, such hazards as electrical arcing or fire warrant immediate evacuation. Extinguish any fires, shut down the fuel system, and administer first aid. And, of course, no smoking
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board must be notified Immediately. Sketch or photograph the scene, note the sequence of events leading to the accident, and Identify any witnesses. Do not disturb the scene (e.g., do not track across ground scars with the chase vehicle or move any portion of the balloon), except as necessary to prevent further damage to property or to protect the public from injury. The FAA/NTSB will take custody of the equipment until the on-site investigation has been completed.
As a well-trained and equipped ground crew member, you can help prevent powerline accidents as well as minimize any injures resulting from them. Should such a tragedy occur, you may even save lives. It could happen on your next chase.
