Hot air balloon runs out of steam, lands on road

The Star/Asia News Network

NIBONG TEBAL, Malaysia — A hot air balloon with 10 passengers was spotted making an unscheduled landing on a road near Padang Jawi at about 9:30 am on Thursday (Jan 10).

It was part of a media flight to promote the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, which would be held on Feb 8, 9 and 10 at Padang Polo, George Town.

All the passengers of the hot air balloon landed safely.

Myballoon adventure director Izzati Khairudin said the hot air balloon was one of three that took off from Padang Jawi, Nibong Tebal to promote the commercial balloon rides on offer to the public during the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

“All passengers on board as well as civilians in the surrounding area were unharmed and traffic resumed promptly as soon as the balloon was packed.

“Captain Van Doorsselaere  is an experienced pilot with 17 years of flying record,” she said in a statement.

She added that hot air balloon navigation was dependent on wind direction at different altitudes.

“As such, hot air balloons are able to end their flight by landing anywhere with secure ample space, unlike aircraft such as planes or helicopters which require specific runways or landing pads.

“For today’s flight, the landing was deemed appropriate and followed all the standard procedures,” she said.e balloon chase crew were able to temporarily halt traffic on the road to enable the balloon to make a safe landing.