Balloon Crash Report Reveals Pilot’s Drug Use

Apr 4, 2024

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A recent report unveils startling details about the tragic balloon crash that claimed the lives of four individuals in Eloy, Arizona earlier this year.

Pilot’s Drug Use

The autopsy report on the pilot, Cornelius Petrus Jakobus van der Walt, disclosed that he had drugs in his system at the time of the crash. Specifically, elevated levels of ketamine were found in his blood. Ketamine, a drug used to treat certain mental health conditions, was detected above levels considered safe for driving. Importantly, van der Walt did not possess a prescription for the drug, as stated in the Medical Examiner’s report.

Fatal Flight

On the morning of January 14, a group of 13 individuals embarked on a balloon ride for skydiving purposes. While eight passengers safely jumped from the balloon, van der Walt and four others remained in the basket. Tragically, the balloon experienced an unforeseen event, causing it to plummet to the ground. Van der Walt, along with passengers Chayton Wiescholek, Kaitlynn Bartrom, and Atahan Kiliccote, lost their lives in the crash. One passenger sustained serious injuries.

Preliminary Findings

Initial investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that the balloon’s envelope deflated prior to the descent. Moreover, the balloon exhibited burn damage, and the sewn rim tape near the top of the envelope was observed to be frayed. However, a comprehensive report on the incident is expected to take at least a year to complete.

Conclusion: Seeking Answers

As the community mourns the loss of the individuals involved in this tragic incident, authorities continue their efforts to determine the exact cause of the crash. The findings underscore the importance of thorough safety protocols in recreational aviation activities, urging a comprehensive review of procedures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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