PRESS RELEASE:
On August 1st at approximately 7:48 p.m. Amity-based troopers were dispatched by 911 to two separate hot air balloon accidents in the town of Hume. Troopers responded to the first location off Mills Mills Road and found one balloon containing eight passengers and the pilot. One passenger suffered a leg injury and was taken to Noyes Memorial in Dansville by Fillmore EMS. Upon arrival at the second accident scene off County Road 23 it was determined that the balloon contained four passengers and the pilot. State Police said two passengers were ejected from the basket and suffered minor head injuries. Both were transported by Fillmore EMS to Wyoming County Community Hospital. According to the pilots of both balloons, the accidents were caused by high winds that created a thermal uplift resulting in both pilots reducing throttle to maintain proper elevation. When the thermal uplift conditions ceased it resulted in both balloons losing control and having hard landings. The FAA was notified and the investigation is continuing.
