UK investigators aiding ballooning tragedy inquiry

The scene of the tragedy. Photo / Supplied

Investigators here will contact their UK counterparts to see whether inquiries need to be made into the manufacturer of a hot air balloon which burst into flames and crashed in Wairarapa yesterday, killing all 11 people on board.

The manufacturer, Cameron Balloons, based in Bristol, is the world's largest producer of hot air balloons.

Transport Accident Investigation Commission spokesman Peter Northcote said the commission's UK counterpart, the Air Accident Investigation Branch, would contact the company.

All hot-air balloons should have a rigorously documented safety record starting from the time they are built.

"We'll be looking at the balloon from the time of its manufacture; at its life, its maintenance and its operations. We'll be going back to day one of the particular vessel."

The investigation team was currently in the process of securing all relevant documentation about the ill-fated balloon.

"It's not an indication that there's anything in particular we want to ask the manufacturer, it's just a normal part of our investigation to establish contact with them."

Investigators have also reviewed images of the balloon, taken by a photographer moments before it burst into flames, and have gone over witness statements given to police. They were conducting follow-up interviews with key witnesses.

They had also returned to the scene to do further examination before the remaining nine bodies were removed, and had obtained local weather data.

The hot air balloon, a Cameron A-210, was preparing to land in a Carterton paddock when it was caught in power lines which caused sparking in the basket.

Two people are believed to have jumped from the basket just before it leapt upwards as it was engulfed in flames. It then plunged into a paddock. All 10 passengers and the pilot died.

Police, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Department of Labour and the Coroner's office are also investigating.