Four people died Sunday morning when a hot air balloon crashed in the desert south of Phoenix, prompting investigations by both the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration into its cause.
Eloy Mayor Micah Powell reported 13 individuals were on board the balloon gondola, including its operator and four passengers. When skydivers exited, something catastrophic occurred with the balloon, according to Mr. Powell.
What Happened?
Thirteen people were aboard a balloon gondola that set off from Eloy around 7.50am local time before it crashed in Eloy’s desert area 60 miles south of Phoenix at around 7.50am local time. Shortly after all eight skydivers had exited from their capsule, something catastrophic occurred with the balloon that caused it to crash, according to Eloy police chief Byron Gwaltney at a press conference.
Gwaltney did not provide further details regarding the cause of the accident, though initial information indicates there may have been some sort of envelope issue with the balloon. Both NTSB and FAA investigators are at the scene conducting further inquiries.
Family of one of the victims have identified her as 28-year-old Katie Bartrom from Indiana who loved skydiving and adventure activities like parasailing. Her mother noted how tragic it is that Katie died doing what she enjoyed most; unfortunately, their identities of other victims remain unreleased until notification from their next of kin.
Who Were On Board?
At 7:50 a.m. local time on March 10, a balloon burst at an Eloy location about 65 miles southwest of Phoenix and crashed into a desert area east of Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road in Eloy. Both the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration have begun investigating in an effort to ensure justice is served for victims; out of respect for their welfare police have not released their identities as victims remain unknown at this time.
Eloy has a substantial skydiving community. On board were 13 adults — a balloon operator, four passengers and eight skydivers who exited shortly before its crash – including eight skydivers who exited shortly before something catastrophic occurred that caused it to land with a crash, according to Eloy Mayor Scott Stith.
Family members identified Katie Bartrom as one of the victims. The 28-year-old registered nurse from Fort Wayne, Indiana enjoyed skydiving and other forms of adventure; their other names will not be released until notified by next of kin.
Who Died?
Four people were killed when their balloon crashed near Eloy around 7:30 am local time, landing in an isolated rural area between Sunshine Boulevard and Hanna Road. Local police are working closely with both the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration in their investigation of what caused this fatal incident.
Micah Powell, Mayor of Eloy, tells 12News that 13 people were aboard the balloon gondola for skydiving training when it broke apart and dispersed shortly afterwards, according to Powell. After skydivers had completed their jump without incident, something catastrophic had happened shortly thereafter involving its structure, according to Powell.
Police are conducting interviews and reviewing video footage in order to assess what took place, yet victims have yet to be identified; Eloy Police extend their deepest condolences and promise that names of those involved will be released once families have been informed. For more details about this tragedy please click here.
Critical Condition
National Transportation Safety Board investigators are on site analyzing remnants of Cameron Balloons A160 hot air balloon that crashed. Preliminary information suggests it landed in desert terrain after experiencing some sort of issue with its envelope.
Officials believe 13 adults were onboard when it took off Sunday morning, including its operator, four passengers and eight skydivers who had just recently dived. Eloy Police Chief Byron Gwaltney informed 12News that all eight skydivers exited before its collision.
Gwaltney reported that witnesses on the ground reported seeing the balloon appear deflate and descend rapidly before hitting the ground hard, Gwaltney says. One person died instantly at the scene while three succumbed to their injuries later at hospital – leaving one survivor critically injured who is currently receiving care at a Phoenix-area trauma center.
Identity of victims remains anonymous pending notification of next-of-kin. Family members of 28-year-old Katie Bartrom from Fort Wayne, Indiana say she loved adventures and had recently completed nursing school.
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