Pilot error blamed for fatal New Zealand balloon crash

Transport investigators in New Zealand say pilot error caused a balloon crash that killed 11 people in January last year.

The final report from the Transport Accident Investigation Commission say it is highly likely that the balloon pilot responsible for one of New Zealand's worst aviation disasters had smoked cannabis shortly before the ill-fated flight.

10 passengers and the pilot died when the balloon struck power lines, burst into flames and crashed at Carterton on the North Island.

The Commission says errors by the experienced commercial pilot, Lance Hopping, caused the crash with the balloon's low flight over a paddock bounded by power-lines was unsafe.

Once on a collision course with the wires, the pilot should have followed the recommended practice and made an emergency descent rather than keep climbing.

The Commission says it cannot rule out the possibility that his judgment was impaired by either his long-term or recent use of cannabis. It says performance-impairing substances are becoming a more frequent feature of the accidents it investigates.

It is urging stronger rules and laws to prevent substance abuse in aviation, maritime and rail transport.

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