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The pilot in command (PIC) departed on a one-hour leisure flight from stoney run county park near winfield, IN. This was the second flight on a new envelope and used bottom system that the PIC took delivery of two weeks prior. The PIC obtained a weather briefing and determined thermal activity to be sufficiently low. 45 minutes into the flight, the PIC initiated the landing event. He briefed the passengers and utilized the dual turning vents to orient the basket down-side forward. The target landing site was a farm complex on the north side of Indiana state route 2 (in sr 2) approximately 4000 feet east of I-65. The ground crew attempted to engage the property owner to obtain permission to land. They observed no trespassing signs and knocked on the door with no response, communicating this to the PIC via handheld radio. The PIC abandoned the approach in favor of a second landing site south of in sr 2. The PIC noted the powerlines adjacent to in sr 2 and judged sufficient clearance.

From this point forward, memories of PIC and passengers are limited due to injuries. The PIC recalls being on a stable descent path with sufficient clearance of obstacles, then his descent path taking him into the powerlines and applying full burner, then the bottom system contacting and becoming caught on the powerlines. The ground crew heard the PIC yell “get down, get down” just prior to impact and observed an arcing event. The PIC recalls adding more heat and receiving an electric shock. The ground crew reported a second arcing event and the failure of the top wire of the powerlines. Passenger one recalls being briefed for landing, then the PIC yelling “get down, get down”. She next recalls waking up in a helicopter being transported to a hospital. Passenger two recalls seeing the powerlines and thinking they had sufficient clearance. She indicated that the balloon started to descend and thought that perhaps there had been a wind shift.

The PIC utilized a DBI3 digitool, a part 31 compliant instrument approved for installation under the provision of an approved model list. The data extracted indicates a stable descent to site one, then a level off, consistent with when the PIC and ground crew were communicating regarding landing permission. The balloon flew level for approximately 45 seconds at an altitude of approximately 85 feet, with top temperatures indicating between 180 and 190 degrees. The digitool then indicates a descent rate of approximately 255 feet per minute (fpm) and a drop in altitude to approximately 40 feet. The digitool then indicates a reduction in descent rate and increasing temperatures in the envelope peaking at a temperature of 223 degrees, consistent with the application of power by the PIC. The ground crew reported they could not see anyone in the basket and were unable to establish communication. The digitool indicates approximately 4 minutes passed before the top temperature began increasing. The PIC recalls being on the floor of the basket, looking up, unable to move. He slowly regained feeling and movement in one arm and leg and was able to get upright sufficient to actuate the burner. He recalls both passengers on the floor of the basket. One passenger was responsive but unable to move, the other was unresponsive. The PIC communicated with the ground crew to indicate a landing location. He then provided emergency assistance to his passengers and utilized the fire extinguisher on an area of the basket that was smoldering. He landed successfully and he and his passengers were provided emergency services by responding emergency services.

A post-accident inspection of the top and bottom system did not reveal any mechanical anomalies that might have contributed to the accident. The balloon sustained substantial damage. The PIC and two passengers sustained serious injuries.