Pilot Suffered Minor Injuries In The Accident

A balloon shaped like a giant pink pig went down Thursday during the America's Freedom Festival Balloon Fest in Utah, but the pilot suffered only minor injuries in the accident.

The pig balloon impacted an entry from Wyoming shaped like an enormous cowboy, according to a report from Fox News, which tore a hole in the nylon fabric of the aircraft. The pig came down in a fenced construction area, and some shreds of the balloon fabric were left hanging from a tree, looking like "strips of bacon" according to witness Kevin Auering.

Pilot Erwin Oertli reportedly suffered minor burns to his face as he tried to slow the descent of the balloon. The burns were from hot plastic that dripped onto his face as parts of the balloon melted, according to festival executive Paul Warner. Oertli was treated and released at the scene.

Warner said Oertli showed excellent piloting skills to be able "to control it as well as probably can be done. He kept both of his burners going so that he could descend slower."

The cowboy balloon was reportedly undamaged and continued its flight.

While an investigation will be conducted, Warner said that no one is likely at fault for the accident. "Just one of those things that can happen when you're under the wishes of the wind," he said.

(Image from witness video posted to YouTube)

FMI: www.freedomfestival.org/event/balloon-fest, Video