Golfier Balloons G32-13000 Crashed Near Praia Grande, Killing 8 and Injuring 13

At least eight of 21 occupants were killed when a Golfier Balloons G32-13000 caught fire and crashed in southern Brazil on June 21. The hot air balloon tourism company involved has since indefinitely suspended all operations.

The balloon, operated by Sobrevoar Serviços Turísticos, was carrying 21 people on what was supposed to be a scenic tourism flight in one of Brazil’s most popular ballooning destinations.

According to police and survivor accounts, the fire began inside the basket while the balloon was airborne. The pilot, who survived the crash, attempted an emergency descent and instructed passengers to jump as the balloon neared the ground. Some were able to do so, but others were not as the reduced weight allowed the balloon to ascend once again. It then crashed in a wooded area, northeast of Praia Grande, Santa Catarina.

Victims included two couples, a mother and daughter, an ophthalmologist, and a figure skater. The 13 survivors were taken to nearby hospitals, some with serious injuries. The company’s voluntary grounding of operations came shortly after.

"Unfortunately, even with all necessary precautions and the efforts of our experienced pilot - who followed all recommended procedures and tried to save everyone on board - we are now faced with the pain caused by this tragedy," the balloon operator stated.

The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) is leading the investigation, along with police and accident investigators.

This tragedy comes less than a week after another balloon, this time with 33 passengers on board, went down in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The balloon was flying with unauthorized equipment and did not hold a current Airworthiness Certificate, rendering the flight illegal. One was killed, 11 were injured, and the pilot was arrested as a result of the accident.

FMI: www.gov.br/anac/en