Safety Concerns hit Serengeti Balloons

Safety Concerns hit Serengeti Balloons

Disgruntled Employee or real Whistle Blower, that is the question.

The tragic crash of a Serengeti hot air balloon last week raises some very old questions and puts into doubt the safety of hot air ballooning in Tanzania.

Two passengers were killed (an American and a Dane) and eight seriously injured after the smaller of two balloons lifted off at dawn a week ago Wednesday and then crashed in turbulent winds. The flight of the larger balloon was aborted by the pilot who felt the winds were too strong.

Although no official investigations have been completed, a simple review of the situation suggests neither balloon should have been allowed to fly.

Serengeti Balloon Safaris (SBS) has acknowledged that the winds were 30 mph as the smaller gondola attempted an emergency landing that went very wrong.

Two balloons are scheduled to lift off daily in the Serengeti, and this season ballooning just began in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park as well. But Tanzania’s total capacity pales in comparison to Kenya’s, where as many as 14 balloons fly daily in a single reserve, the Maasai Mara.

I’ve spoken to principles of balloon companies in both countries, and my gut feeling is that they do it much better in Kenya than Tanzania. This might be simply because the Kenyan industry is so much larger and has had a much longer experience. And extraordinary caution is required when asking someone in Kenyan tourism about Tanzanian tourism, and vice versa, as the rivalry is profound.

But off-the-record Kenyans generally express sympathy with a vengeful website launched by what is certainly a disgruntled former SBS employee, Nigel Pogmore. Kenyans insist that many of Pogmore’s accusations of SBS’s unsafe procedures would never be seen in Kenya.

Pogmore’s long list of what SBS does wrong is mostly ridiculous, as I an untrained pilot, dare to determine. But a few do standout:

Pogmore claims he was fired because he was a “whistle blower” after being appointed SBS’ Safety Officer and then in the course of that job uncovered all sorts of safety irregularities. SBS claims Pogmore was a disgruntled employee with a very short fuse and that his past employment history bears this out.

So I asked SBS Managing Director, Tony Pascoe, why he hired Pogmore in the first place. Pascoe has not answered despite several emails to him.

Pogmore claims SBS balloons fly virtually until they run out of fuel, and therefore violate an industry standard that there be 50% fuel reserves left at the end of a flight.

While this may, indeed, be the industry standard, this is one that many Kenyan companies don’t manage, either. (Although no Kenyan company claimed they would fly until they were out of fuel.) The balloon flights in East Africa are generally short by industry standards and over pretty uncluttered (no power lines) geography. Provided the winds aren’t unusual, they can usually expect to land anywhere along the expected flight path.

Pogmore severely criticized the procedure by which SBS fired up their balloons in the morning, claiming the method they used to raise the pressure in the gas tanks was unsafe and that passengers were boarded in unsafe ways.

He also specified faulty equipment on 5 of the 6 balloons owned by SBS. This included poor or faulty Emergency Rapid Deflation (ERD) capability, fuel gauges and incorrectly maintained fire extinguishers.

Most scathingly, Pogmore claims SBS essentially ignored required safety inspections, insisting that a normal inspection took 2-3 trained staff 4-5 hours, but that his experience proved there were some inspections completed in less than ten minutes.

SBS, of course, is defending itself against all these accusation at their new “answer” site, balloonsafety.info. The problem was that site is very similar to the problem with Pogmore’s site: there’s too much emotion and not enough facts.

I had a courteous phone call with a close relative of SBS Managing Director, Tony Pascoe, and a subsequent courteous email exchange with Tony.

Tony thanked me yesterday when I advised him I had reduced our conversations into a few simple questions I would appreciate him answering.

But when I sent those questions in writing, as agreed, they’ve gone unanswered. Pascoe has suddenly gone silent. A subsequent reminder email also went unanswered.

Please see below in comments. The CEO of SBS finally did answer some of these questions after this blog was posted.

This leads me to believe they have something to hide, or at least aren’t well enough prepared yet to answer some very serious accusations.

Should you take a hot air balloon ride on your safari?

My answer for the time being is, No, not if it’s in Tanzania.

29 thoughts on “Safety Concerns hit Serengeti Balloons

  1. Jim

    Thanks for taking the time to enquire first-hand into Mr Pogmore’s allegations, rather than simply accepting him at his word. I can appreciate how frustrating it is to read accounts of negligence, and then wonder at the same time about the safety of your customers.

    Please understand, the events which occurred last week is a tragedy and our worst nightmare. The Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority are in the midst of a full investigation. But I can say, without hesitation, that the safety of your customers (OUR customers) is our FIRST priority.

    If you have concerns about the safety of our operations, I would urge you to come visit us first hand the next time you are in the region. Announced or a surprise visit, you’re always welcome to come and either view our operations first hand, or get a first hand tour from our Chief Pilot. He would be happy to show you the operations, procedures and equipments we have in place.

    Secondly, I would urge you to direct any enquiries to the TCAA. We take pride in our focus on safety, and have promised our full, unfettered cooperation with any investigations into the tragic events that unfolded last week. If we can learn any lessons that make our operations safer, we’ll embrace them.

    Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our passengers. Mr Pogmore has created some wild fantasies, and we feel they are so far beyond the pale as to be disgusting. Not only will I not stoop to his level, I do not wish to say anything that would even potentially jeopardize the results of a full TCAA investigation, or the possibility of slander or libel charges directed to Mr Pogmore.

    However, if you wish to discuss this further, I’m always happy to discuss our safety protocols, the equipment processes we have in place, or even the changes we have made in our procedures in order to make the balloons even safer in the wake of last week.

    Regards
    Tony

  2. Below is my email of yesterday afternoon (Wed, Oct 7) to Tony that was answered by his email above, received shortly after the blog was posted today (Oct 8). I would still appreciate specific answers to the questions below:

    Tony –

    I have a series of straight-forward questions below which I know you’ve endeavored to answer on your answer-site to Pogmore’s, but I think it best if quick, short answers directly to these specific questions are now given.

    If you prefer to do this verbally, I’ll be happy to contact you around 7 a.m. my time (GMT-5) by Skype (voice-only) or any number you give me. I have, though, promised a number of agents that the blog will be posted, tomorrow, as I advised you earlier today.

    * * *
    All the Pogmore assertions below, of course, applied only up until the time he left. So please feel free to note that they have been corrected since, if you wish, but the questions apply specifically to the period up to his departure, not after.

    1. Pogmore claims he was fired because he was a “whistle blower.” Part of your response included claiming there was a list of unhappy former employers. (A) Can you refer any of these contacts; and (B) If true, why did you hire him in the first place?

    2. Pogmore asserts that his first report as your safety officer complained that the balloons had not been flying with the required 50% fuel reserve left after an hour’s flight. Is this true? If not, do you dispute the need for this amount of reserve?

    3. Pogmore claims that your standard routine for starting up the balloons was unsafe. Specifically, in two regards: (A) defective inflation fans positioned too near a client’s head; and (B) heater pads wrapped about fuel tanks to raise the pressure rather than the “customary” use of nitrogen to raise the pressure to acceptable levels.

    4. Pogmore claims that only one of your six aircraft had operable Emergency Rapid Deflation (ERD) capability. True or False?

    5. Pogmore claims that only one of your six aircraft had properly working fuel pressure gauges.

    6. Pogmore claims that normal 4-5 hour inspections that should have required 2-3 trained staff were done in at least one case in less than 10 minutes in the dark using a flashlight. True or False?

    7. Pogmore claims that fire extinguisher triggers which should have been unlocked were kept locked. True or False?

    Thanks, Tony.

    Regards,
    Jim Heck

  3. I have never taken the hot air balloon ride….I never quite thought it worth the money and the one time I had some guests want to take it, the hot air balloon operator didn’t show up

    I wouldn’t recommend it…but I rather imagine there are other hot air balloon ride accidents as well and as far as I know this is an isolated issue.

  4. Hi,
    I just wanted to say thank you for this in-depth and well-researched article. I hope you will consider getting it published in broader news sources, such as Reuters or the BBC, as many tourists are unaware of the dangers they face when taking risks abroad. As this is the second tragedy in two weeks involving an American death and a hot air balloon, I believe your take on this story would be well received.

  5. Tony Pascoe answers:

    Your ”‘simple review’ of the situation suggests neither balloon should have been allowed to fly”. What are you basing this assumption on? You have no idea whether or not either or neither should have been allowed to fly.

    You say that “Kenyans insist that many of this man’s accusations of SBS unsafe procedures would never be allowed in Kenya. They would never be allowed in Tanzania.

    You say that ‘his long list of what we do is mostly ridiculous’ Why then assume that some of it is not? It is not ‘mostly’, it is entirely ridiculous.

    We feel Mr Pogmore’s allegations to be beyond the pale, and are actively considering libel and slander charges against him. We normally do not respond to his allegations since we do not feel like engaging in a pointless fight over the Internet. However, we will make an exception for you on a one-time basis and respond to your questions, since we have nothing to hide when it comes to discussing our robust safety procedures.

    See answers to your questions below:

    1. Pogmore claims he was fired because he was a “whistle blower.” Part of your response included claiming there was a list of unhappy former employers. (A) Can you refer any of these contacts; and (B) If true, why did you hire him in the first place?

    We feel we made a mistake in hiring him – a sentiment that is shared by a long list of his former employers. We have learned to be more diligent in checking references.

    2. Pogmore asserts that his first report as your safety officer complained that the balloons had not been flying with the required 50% fuel reserve left after an hour’s flight. Is this true? If not, do you dispute the need for this amount of reserve?

    We always fly with sufficient fuel on board for the anticipated duration of the flight + 50% reserve.

    3. Pogmore claims that your standard routine for starting up the balloons was unsafe. Specifically, in two regards: (A) defective inflation fans positioned too near a client’s head; and (B) heater pads wrapped about fuel tanks to raise the pressure rather than the “customary” use of nitrogen to raise the pressure to acceptable levels.

    Our inflation fans are positioned directed into the mouth of the envelope some 2 meters + in front of the basket and away from passengers heads.

    4. Pogmore claims that only one of your six aircraft had operable Emergency Rapid Deflation (ERD) capability. True or False?

    All balloons are equipped with manufacturers deflation systems and comply with their requirements & those of CAA.

    5. Pogmore claims that only one of your six aircraft had properly working fuel pressure gauges.

    All fuel tanks equipped with gauges and pressure checked.

    6. Pogmore claims that normal 4-5 hour inspections that should have required 2-3 trained staff were done in at least one case in less than 10 minutes in the dark using a flashlight. True or False?

    False. Pre flight checks performed by pilot. 50 hour checks including ‘grab test’ performed by qualified personnel in daylight after a flight. This system includes proper reporting and recording of findings.

    7. Pogmore claims that fire extinguisher triggers which should have been unlocked were kept locked. True or False?

    False. Pin in place with slip tie. All crew trained in use of extinguishers & their use in different types of fire. I’ve attached a letter we have on file regarding our use of plastic tie-locks. I hope that this helps.

    Tony

  6. Jim replies to Tony:
    It was generous of Tony to answer some of the questions, and the answers do alleviate some very important concerns. However, I’d still not recommend that tourists fly on SBS programs. Here’s why:

    Tony asks how I would know that the two balloons shouldn’t have flown. I don’t. Obviously. But according to a variety of Kenyan balloon operators, all operators except SBS have pre-flight techniques to determine this. Most use small helium-filled tester balloons that are sent off before the balloon launch to test higher altitude winds. SBS does not use these and has not indicated how it tests wind before flying.

    Question #1 above. Noble to admit you didn’t fact-check a resume, but still lacking is referrals to former employers. Exactly who feels the same way about Pogmore as SBS?

    Questions #3 above. All other hot air balloon operators in East Africa use nitrogen or carbon dioxide infusions into the gas cylinders to raise the butane pressure to acceptable levels for lifting the aircraft. While there is nothing proscribed against using heating pads, this is a short-cut, less expensive method that adds an incendiary dimension to the operation.

  7. I worked for Serengeti Balloon Safaris for 4 years, the last two as chief pilot. I trained the first Tanzanian balloon pilot, Captain Mohammed Masudi who is now chief pilot. I have also worked for Precision Airlines as a pilot in Tanzania.
    Mr. Pogmore has found himself unemployable in this industry due to his creating conlict with others where ever he works. After being sacked for threatening fellow employees, being abusive to Tanzanian Nationals who work for SBS, and other unsavory behaviors he has not been able to move on. He tried for many months to be reinstated with SBS to no avail. If he felt this company was engaged in such dangerous practices, why would he try so hard to get his job back? I have carefully looked at all his claims and see them as nothing more than a personal vendetta toward those who dare sacked him. If you read his blog carefully, you will see deep personal animosity towards one director in particular. He has unfairly used video of his own poor techinique letting the basket get up on end, to bolster his claims. During my tenure with SBS I was NEVER questioned by the directors for canceling flights for conditions being unsafe, or my determination that an aircraft needed repairs before flying again. It was put to me by the directors many times that all decisions must be predicated on safety before money. I would not fly for any company who had it any other way. I have flown balloons for 24 years in 6 countries and pride myself on my safety record. I also hold a USA commercial, multi engine, instrument licsense and have 3000+ hours in aeroplanes as well as near 4000 hours in balloons. I flew the first 415,000 cu ft balloon in the Serengeti for two years accumulating approximately 500hrs in that balloon. Mr. Pogmores claim that this balloon is flown with insufficient fuel is ridiculous as I NEVER had any problems due to the amount of fuel I carried. It is asinine to make this an issue. If a pilot believes he is encountering a low fuel problem during a flight in the Serengeti, he has the option to land BEFORE it becomes a real issue. The Serengeti is not a crowded urban area full of obstacles to make landing difficult! One can pretty much land at any time it is neccessary. It seems Mr. Pogmore is trying to describe an imaginary issue which will create the most fear with the public, and do the most damage to this company.
    His other video of a parachute top not seating properly is also without merit although the unkowledgable public watching it while listening to his damaging follow up comments would believe him. I have recieved a BRAND NEW balloon from the UK factory with the same problem. The operations manager Martin Kilimba is well versed in fixing it in a couple of hours by retying some lines so it centers correctly. If you look carefully at the end of this video you will see that the top is closed at the point of departure but is in need of a slight adjustment to be perfect, but Mr. Pogmore leaves that out. The pilot/Director Colin McKinnon on the day this video was shot, wisely brought on board an extra tank as a precaution. This was because he knew he might use extra fuel during this inflation until the top sealed. He made a prudent decision with the use of this extra tank demonstrating safety was his obvious priority. Don’t you find it odd that Mr. Pogmore, an experienced balloon pilot leaves these details out? Serengeti Balloon Safaris also fits TITANIUM fuel tanks in every balloon they purchase at much greater expense than the standard stainless steel tanks which are more the norm in this business as few owners see the value in spending this substantial extra money for stronger tanks. This shows me these directors add safety to their operation where ever they can regardless of the cost involved.
    Mr Pogmore also brings up a completely unrelated incident for a death in an aeroplane near Moshi which was registered to the balloon company directors insinuating they were some how responsible for the Tanzanian pilots death. A planes age means nothing as all components have a predetermined life cycle and are replaced as neccessary including the complete rebuilding of airframes. There are 60 year old light aircraft flying around the world which are as new. This plane had just returned from scheduled maintenance which was done on time by the book. Sometimes machines break no matter how well you take care of them. After losing the engine, this pilot made the unfortunate choice of trying to turn back. He did not have sufficient airspeed to continue his turn and stalled the airplane. This is something taught in the basics of learning to fly and for whatever reason, this pilot did not do what he had been trained to do. This should have been only a rough off field landing without injuries. It appears that in his eagerness to trash SBS’s reputation, Mr. Pogmore has intentionally left out the facts of this sad incident. It is also possible that he has no understanding of how these deaths occured due to pilot error, in which case he should not be making any assumptions or judgements as he has no expert qualifications to even guess at the root causes. That to me adds more credence to the appearance of a personal vendetta by a bitter person who could not take any more professional or personal rejection and is lashing out like a wounded animal. The worst part of all this is that he does know more than the average passenger and is abusing his knowledge by duping them to believe his lies.
    I could easily go on but you get my point. I value my reputation in this industry and would NEVER work for company who didn’t put safety first. I would gladly work for SBS again at any time. After all, I value my own life as well as my passengers when I’m flying! I’m a single full time dad for my 7 yr old son and would take no chances to not be there to finish raising him.
    As far as “Kenyan operations not allowing these things to occur”, I will simply say that the 20 yr safety record in the Serengeti has FAR fewer incidents than in the same period in Kenya where I flew as a guest pilot many years ago. Due to working hard to have a safe superior product, Serengeti Balloon Safaris have put a dent in the Kenyans business, and have experienced significant growth every year with more guests who visit both countries choosing the Tanzanian side for their balloon flight. Knowing intimately how these many companies will fight like hyenas where money is concerned, they have a vested interest in hoping some of the mud Pogmore is slinging will stick.

    I have a personal yard stick by which I measure other companies. I ask myself would I let my son fly with them. My son Paul is welcome to fly with Serengeti Balloon Safaris any time and I hope one day he works for them when he is old enough.

    Daniel Claudon

    Daniel Claudon

  8. After reading the above comments, I would like to offer Jim some food for thought regarding the method for pressurising tanks. The heating pads are not for “saving money”. They are saftey related. They are low temperature commercial heavy duty rubber heating pads and require the running of a 20KVA generator to run for four hours which is more expensive than nitrogen pressurisation. Each one is safety fused. They are plugged into the main generator at approximately 2am and unplugged at departure time when the trucks move to the launch site with the crew and no passengers. From this point on they are cooling as they travel. Each fuel tank has a “popoff” saftey valve which relieves pressure if over pressurised. If some malfunction caused a blankets thermostat to allow continued heating to the danger point, this would occur out doors at the balloon base. The passengers are not at the balloon until these tanks have been cooling for at least an hour. There are no “incendiary” possibilities at the launch site as nothing is plugged in. By contrast, when pressurising tanks with gas, the operator can easily over pressurise a tank by having the regulator set improperly. I will leave company names out of this, but one of the Kenyan operators worst accidents was caused by the explosion of a fuel tank when the pilot actuated the first blast for inflation. This resulted in his death and other crew and passengers being burned. Also, most companies train their crew to do this pressurisation which leaves room for error, and the pilot only to “assume” it had been done correctly. I have used both methods for many years and the heating method has the least chance of passengers embarking on a balloon with an over pressurised tank. I have also heard many stories of pilots intentionally slightly overpressurising their tanks which makes the burners more powerful and the balloon easier to fly with shorter blasts but comes with some risk of fuel line failure etc.

    All the best

    Daniel Claudon

  9. I think one more quick comment is needed. And that is I have not spoken with either Mr. Pascoe or Mr. Mckinnon in over a year. When I first made these comments in a Tanzanian publication I had just recieved a heads up re Mr. Pogmores web site from a pilot in the states who knew I had worked in the Serengeti. After reading it and recognising it for what it is, I felt compelled to defend SBS as it was the moraly right thing to do. Since then, I continue to do internet searches to find any more unfair comments so as to respond to them.
    Tony and Colin, assuming you will read this I want to say how sorry I am for the families of those lost, the injured, and the industry as a whole. We are a small community world wide and when an unfortunate accident happens, we all feel it, and look to learn from it.

    Daniel Claudon

  10. I worked for Serengeti Balloon Safaris for 4 years, the last two as chief pilot. I trained the first Tanzanian balloon pilot, Captain Mohammed Masudi who is now chief pilot. I have also worked for Precision Airlines as a pilot in Tanzania. Mr. Pogmore has found himself unemployable in this industry due to his creating conlict with others where ever he works. After being sacked for threatening fellow employees, being abusive to Tanzanian Nationals who work for SBS, and other unsavory behaviors he has not been able to move on. He tried for many months to be reinstated with SBS to no avail. If he felt this company was engaged in such dangerous practices, why would he try so hard to get his job back? I have carefully looked at all his claims and see them as nothing more than a personal vendetta toward those who dare sacked him. If you read his blog carefully, you will see deep personal animosity towards one director in particular. He has unfairly used video of his own poor techinique letting the basket get up on end, to bolster his claims. During my tenure with SBS I was NEVER questioned by the directors for canceling flights for conditions being unsafe, or my determination that an aircraft needed repairs before flying again. It was put to me by the directors many times that all decisions must be predicated on safety before money. I would not fly for any company who had it any other way. I have flown balloons for 24 years in 6 countries and pride myself on my safety record. I also hold a USA commercial, multi engine, instrument licsense and have 3000+ hours in aeroplanes as well as near 4000 hours in balloons. I flew the first 415,000 cu ft balloon in the Serengeti for two years accumulating approximately 500hrs in that balloon. Mr. Pogmores claim that this balloon is flown with insufficient fuel is ridiculous as I NEVER had any problems due to the amount of fuel I carried. It is asinine to make this an issue. If a pilot believes he is encountering a low fuel problem during a flight in the Serengeti, he has the option to land BEFORE it becomes a real issue. The Serengeti is not a crowded urban area full of obstacles to make landing difficult! One can pretty much land at any time it is neccessary. It seems Mr. Pogmore is trying to describe an imaginary issue which will create the most fear with the public, and do the most damage to this company. His other video of a parachute top not seating properly is also without merit although the unkowledgable public watching it while listening to his damaging follow up comments would believe him. I have recieved a BRAND NEW balloon from the UK factory with the same problem. The operations manager Martin Kilimba is well versed in fixing it in a couple of hours by retying some lines so it centers correctly. If you look carefully at the end of this video you will see that the top is closed at the point of departure but is in need of a slight adjustment to be perfect, but Mr. Pogmore leaves that out. The pilot/Director Colin McKinnon on the day this video was shot, wisely brought on board an extra tank as a precaution. This was because he knew he might use extra fuel during this inflation until the top sealed. He made a prudent decision with the use of this extra tank demonstrating safety was his obvious priority. Don’t you find it odd that Mr. Pogmore, an experienced balloon pilot leaves these details out? Serengeti Balloon Safaris also fits TITANIUM fuel tanks in every balloon they purchase at much greater expense than the standard stainless steel tanks which are more the norm in this business as few owners see the value in spending this substantial extra money for stronger tanks. This shows me these directors add safety to their operation where ever they can regardless of the cost involved. Mr Pogmore also brings up a completely unrelated incident for a death in an aeroplane near Moshi which was registered to the balloon company directors insinuating they were some how responsible for the Tanzanian pilots death. A planes age means nothing as all components have a predetermined life cycle and are replaced as neccessary including the complete rebuilding of airframes. There are 60 year old light aircraft flying around the world which are as new. This plane had just returned from scheduled maintenance which was done on time by the book. Sometimes machines break no matter how well you take care of them. After losing the engine, this pilot made the unfortunate choice of trying to turn back. He did not have sufficient airspeed to continue his turn and stalled the airplane. This is something taught in the basics of learning to fly and for whatever reason, this pilot did not do what he had been trained to do. This should have been only a rough off field landing without injuries. It appears that in his eagerness to trash SBS’s reputation, Mr. Pogmore has intentionally left out the facts of this sad incident. It is also possible that he has no understanding of how these deaths occured due to pilot error, in which case he should not be making any assumptions or judgements as he has no expert qualifications to even guess at the root causes. That to me adds more credence to the appearance of a personal vendetta by a bitter person who could not take any more professional or personal rejection and is lashing out like a wounded animal. The worst part of all this is that he does know more than the average passenger and is abusing his knowledge by duping them to believe his lies. I could easily go on but you get my point. I value my reputation in this industry and would NEVER work for company who didn’t put safety first. I would gladly work for SBS again at any time. After all, I value my own life as well as my passengers when I’m flying! I’m a single full time dad for my 7 yr old son and would take no chances to not be there to finish raising him. As far as “Kenyan operations not allowing these things to occur”, I will simply say that the 20 yr safety record in the Serengeti has FAR fewer incidents than in the same period in Kenya where I flew as a guest pilot many years ago. Due to working hard to have a safe superior product, Serengeti Balloon Safaris have put a dent in the Kenyans business, and have experienced significant growth every year with more guests who visit both countries choosing the Tanzanian side for their balloon flight. Knowing intimately how these many companies will fight like hyenas where money is concerned, they have a vested interest in hoping some of the mud Pogmore is slinging will stick.
    +1

  11. See website Tony Pascoe ans press!!!!

    Please allow me to explain a little.

    At this time there are numerous legal proceeding gathering momentum. These cases are not only relating to the Serengeti Balloon Safaris recent fatal accident, but also against me.

    Along with other activities, I have also received some highly dangerous threats, therefore my wife and I have have taken the advice of our local & overseas legal advisers, thereafter taken necessary precautions.

    For the above reasons our location cannot be revealed until we are all satisfied with not only assurances for our safety, but that of fair play thereafter.

    Along with the above measures, I have handed over a comprehensive file covering events spanning 2007-2011 to the UK police force and others.

    With Hot Air Balloon Safety evolving , its contents now straddles numerous international boarders, it is deemed paramount that the UK foreign office be brought up to date on all matters relating to this site.

    As a further precaution, Embassies representing all those involved in each accidents mentioned (not just balloons) that this site relates to, are been kept up to date.

    Initially my intention was that this new site be far smaller than its previous publication, however having recently received correspondence that confirms that my publications of both past and present shall almost certainly be brought into play during ensuing litigation process, this has not been possible.

    In addiction to the above, with SBS launching its own counterclaim website http://www.balloonsafety.info in June 2010, the majority of the contents included in my previous site, by necessity, yet not retaliatory, related to their publication.

    It is to this day with the deepest sense of sadness, a fact, that the fatal events that took place in the Serengeti on 29th September 2010, thereafter, transformed my site.

    What was only intend yet much needed, public awareness/industry whistle blowing website, that others, in their haste, claimed it as nothing more than a rant from a disgruntled ex pilot, instantly transformed into what the legal profession and others, are now regarding as a highly respectable legal contribution for following court cases that are bound to follow.

    Additionally, in essence this site may by its nature, house part of my legal defence against any charges, if and when formally laid.

    Polite note. During these early days of re-publishing, you will come across a few pages that are still under construction, also pages that were obviously taken in whole or in part from my last publication.

    With a profound passion for photography, I have for reasons that shall become obvious, tried to bring this in to this project. Not only do we have a lot to get through, I would like to prevent your eyelids from kissing the ground. Life is simply too short to keep all this focused solely on the negative aspects of our industry. Images used, may not always relate to the topic of the page.

    I shall make no apologies when found combining both well intentioned humour and satire as I strive to approach distant adversaries before landing my plight in the appropriate hanger.

    All the above should be taken into account when evaluating the contents held within.

    Thank you for visiting.

    Yours Sincerely
    Capt. Nigel J Pogmore
    Hot Air Balloon Safety
    [email protected]

  12. Best if i give you a copy without the photos

    TONY PASCOE attempts to ANSWERS Africaman

    Pogmore claims that fire extinguisher triggers which should have been unlocked were kept locked. True or False?
    False. Pin in place with slip tie. All crew trained in use of extinguishers & their use in different types of fire. I’ve attached a letter we have on file regarding our use of plastic tie-locks.
    I hope that this helps.
    Tony

    Very much locked! as they all were

    Pogmore claims that only one of your six aircraft had properly working fuel pressure gauges.
    All fuel tanks equipped with gauges and pressure checked.

    Tony just coned this reporter, NIGEL SAYS :-

    As I stated that BURNERS DID NOT EVEN HAVE PRESSURE GAUGES FITTED, this is not standard. Did SBS ask the balloon manufacture to omit this piece of equipment ?
    Please note that the gauges found on fuel tank, are referred to as CONTENTS GAUGES, and have nothing to do with burner pressure gauges,
    he,s trying to feed the horse at the wrong end!

    4. Pogmore claims that only one of your six aircraft had operable Emergency Rapid Deflation (ERD) capability. True or False?
    All balloons are equipped with manufacturers deflation systems and comply with their requirements & those of CAA.

    NIGELS SAYS:-
    Aha he’s at again
    PASOCE reply should read as follows:-
    FACT
    All balloons are equipped with manufacturers deflation systems but are of the lesser ones normally used on much smaller balloon such as five man balloons.
    It is certainly true just as pogmore says, that only one balloon at SBS, (5H-MVX) had a RDS fitted.
    As the Tanzanian CAA knows so very little about balloons and deflation systems, we have managed to get away with it until the accident that killed two of our passengers and injured eight others.

    Africa Answerman Says:-
    But when I sent those questions in writing, as agreed, they’ve gone unanswered. Pascoe has suddenly gone silent. A subsequent reminder email also went unanswered.
    Please see below in comments. The CEO of SBS finally did answer some of these questions after this blog was posted.
    This leads me to believe they have something to hide, or at least aren’t well enough prepared yet to answer some very serious accusations.
    Should you take a hot air balloon ride on your safari?
    My answer for the time being is, No, not if it’s in Tanzania.

    From: Paul Dickinson – ULTRAMAGIC
    Date: 19 January 2010 07:53:41 GMT
    To: [email protected]
    Cc: [email protected]
    Subject: RV: Contactar Website ULTRAMAGIC de Nigel pogmore (Pilot) Dear Nigel

    Happy New Year.

    The Ultramagic Fast Deflation system is available in most sizes and
    types. It has been fitted to balloons as small as 65000 cu ft. The FDS
    is fitted as standard in all N types N180 to N500 and is included in the
    list price as are rotation vents. However a standard parachute may be
    fitted to the smaller sizes in this range if requested. In certain cases
    a special parachute has been fitted to larger balloons in stead of an
    FDS at the request of a customer. This has also proved to be very
    successful as I am sure you are aware. However it would be very rare for
    a balloon larger than a 210 not to have an RDS unless a customer had
    previous experience of flying a large balloon without a RDS fitted.

    The FDS and rotation vents are also standard in the T series T150 – T210
    and are included in the list price.

    Operation of Ultramagic balloon equipment is stated in the Ultramagic
    Flight Manuals as are any related restrictions. As we all know, final
    flight safety is the responsibility of the pilot in command. 

    My experience of balloon design and manufacture goes back to 1982. I was
    involved in the development of the very early large ride balloons with
    Colt, Thunder and then T&C. At that stage we used to fit Velcro rip
    deflation systems to enable large balloons to deflate and stop quickly
    in windy conditions. Then the Velcro parachute combination system was
    developed. However this was very time consuming to refit and prepare for
    flight.

    The Fast/Rapid deflation systems are without doubt a vast
    improvement on the combination systems of the past. The FDS system does
    allow a pilot to fly and land safely in conditions that may not be
    possible with a standard parachute. I am sure you would agree with me
    from personal experience that it would be preferable to have FDS fitted
    in a larger balloon where fields are small and landing options are
    restricted.

    Please feel free to come back to me if you need any further information.

    Best Regards
    Paul Dickinson
    ULTRAMAGIC S.A.

    from tony to jim
    Jim
    Thanks for taking the time to enquire first-hand into Mr Pogmore’s allegations, rather than simply accepting him at his word. I can appreciate how frustrating it is to read accounts of negligence, and then wonder at the same time about the safety of your customers.
    Please understand, the events which occurred last week is a tragedy and our worst nightmare. The Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority are in the midst of a full investigation. But I can say, without hesitation, that the safety of your customers (OUR customers) is our FIRST priority.
    If you have concerns about the safety of our operations, I would urge you to come visit us first hand the next time you are in the region. Announced or a surprise visit, you’re always welcome to come and either view our operations first hand, or get a first hand tour from our Chief Pilot. He would be happy to show you the operations, procedures and equipments we have in place.
    Secondly, I would urge you to direct any enquiries to the TCAA. We take pride in our focus on safety, and have promised our full, unfettered cooperation with any investigations into the tragic events that unfolded last week. If we can learn any lessons that make our operations safer, we’ll embrace them.
    Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our passengers. Mr Pogmore has created some wild fantasies, and we feel they are so far beyond the pale as to be disgusting. Not only will I not stoop to his level, I do not wish to say anything that would even potentially jeopardize the results of a full TCAA investigation, or the possibility of slander or libel charges directed to Mr Pogmore.
    However, if you wish to discuss this further, I’m always happy to discuss our safety protocols, the equipment processes we have in place, or even the changes we have made in our procedures in order to make the balloons even safer in the wake of last week.
    Regards
Tony
    But when I sent those questions in writing, as agreed, they’ve gone unanswered. Pascoe has suddenly gone silent. A subsequent reminder email also went unanswered.
    Please see below in comments. The CEO of SBS finally did answer some of these questions after this blog was posted.
    This leads me to believe they have something to hide, or at least aren’t well enough prepared yet to answer some very serious accusations.
    Should you take a hot air balloon ride on your safari?
    My answer for the time being is, No, not if it’s in Tanzania.
    See my request to take up SBSs offer

    http://www.hotairballoonsafety.com

  13. survivors graphic account

    Serengeti fatal balloon accident

    At 4.30 AM we were picked up at our lodge and we drove to the location, where the balloon would take off. Two balloons were being prepared, and we were taken to the nearest balloon.

    We were told that it was not sure, that we would go up in the balloon, because of the strong wind. Shortly after this, we were told to climb in to the basket, and we would go on the balloon trip after all. We were instructed about take off, and we climbed in to the balloon, while it was lying on the ground. During take-off, we had to lie down, holding on to the ropes, with our luggage by our feet. We were informed, that the Captain and his assistant would instruct us about the landing, when the balloon was up in the air.

    After a rough start, where the balloon suddenly crashed down with some hard and unpleasant bumps, the balloon finally tokes off. After a while I asked Frank ‘the Captain’ where the other balloon was. He was not clear in his answer, and mumbled something about that the balloon was behind some clouds, and that was why I could not see it. Afterwards we were told, that the other balloon never toke off, after they had seen our dramatic take off.

    After 45 minuets the Captain decided, that it was time too land the balloon and started to look for a suitable landing site. The wind was stronger now, with strong cross wind by the ground. Always the Captain had to tell his assistant what to do. We were shortly told to sit down in the basket, hold one to the ropes and duck our heads. All of a sudden the wind took us and through us into the trees. It was very wild and sounded fiercely, and my husband XXXXX was badly injured. He came with a stifled sound, and he looked at me, and said my name ‘xxxxx xxxxx”I can’t breathe.’

    He had tremendous pain in his chest and had to stand up, because he could not lie down. He said that it felt as if all his ribs were broken and had gone lose inside off him. Despite his pain, he was very concerned about me, and asked how I was doing. A branch had hid me in the back several times, and it had broken the 12 th thoracic vertebra, which gave me trouble breathing. I could not use my legs, so I used my arms to get to xxxxx, so that I could hold him in my arms. All we could do was to tell each other, what a great life we have had together.

    We then realized, that the balloon had not landed, it was still up in the air. The Captains assistant jumped to the other side off the basket to help Harvey XXXXX and his fiancé, who were hurt and lied on the flour. Frank ‘the Captain’ then started shouting ‘mayday mayday’ and gave coordinates over the radio. He told us to sit down in the basket, with our heads down. He also shouted ‘ this is going to be a tuff landing’.

    XXXX and I tried to sit down, but had trouble holding on to the ropes, because we were in to much pain. We hold on to the basket with one hand and we then hold each others hand. ‘Frank’ the Captain could not control the landing on his own. He jumped up on to the side of the basket and pulled in the ropes with all his strength, trying to get the air out off the balloon. We bumped to the ground several times and then I lost consciousness.

    When I woke up, I was lying on my stomach on the ground. I could not move and my face was filled with dirt and sand. I was lying in the burning sun and I was very thirsty, but we only had one bottle of water and there were only a couple of drops of water for everyone. I could not see xxxx, but I sensed xxxx xxxx and xxxx near by. I could not bear to ask how XXXX was doing; I sensed that something was wrong. I only thought about my three children and two grandchildren, I was afraid that I would not survive. About 6 hours went by, before the help arrived. The flying doctors had located us from the air, but they could not land in the area, were we had crashed. The accident happened around 8 am and we arrived to the Nairobi hospital at 7.30 pm.

    The flight from Tanzania to Kenya would not take off, before they had seen everybody’s passports. This was very upsetting, because most of us did not have our luggage and we all were complete exhausted. We were supposed to have breakfast after the balloon trip, so we did not have anything to eat the whole day.

    xxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxx and Harvey xxxxxx did not survive the crash. They had stayed in the same side in the basket, the side that hit the trees front one.

    Yours Sincerely
    Capt. Nigel J Pogmore
    Hot Air Balloon Safety Concerns

  14. Open letter Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Fatal Accident
    Transparency

    For the Attention of Serengeti Balloon Safaris Ltd.
    Mr Anthony Pascoe
    Mr Colin MacKinnon
    The Old Rectory
    The Shallows
    Saltford
    Bristol
    BS31 3EU

    Subject: Request for information relating to:-
    fatal hot air balloon accident, Serengeti 29 September 2010.

    From: Hot Air Balloon Safety Concerns

    Date: 3rd August 2011

    Dear Sirs

    Sometime ago I attempted to contact the Tanzanian civil aviation authority in regards to the above matter. At that time, I was requesting information surrounding the above accident. Unfortunately it appears that the above authority is unable or unwilling to provide documentation in this regard, I did not received a reply.

    Of most concern, is that that my follow up request made to the TCAA were met with my email being rejected. Obviously this less than professional behavior raises the question of credibility of the investigating authority.

    I am sure that you would agree that in view such severe & tragic circumstances, that a display of transparency on your side would help alleviate concerns as to the credibility of any findings.

    With the above in mind, I shall be most grateful if you would be so kind to forward me the final accident report. Should that not be conclusive at this time, I would request that you forward me any interim report/information that you may have in this regard. Subject to yourselves agreeing to your Involvement in my efforts, I in return shall be happy to afford you the courtesy of the opportunity to view my proposed hypothesis prior to it release.

    I feel that you may well appreciate, given that hot air balloon safety concerns have received reports from passengers and relatives of those involved in the above-mentioned accident, that by affording you this oppertunity, would ultimately assist in producing a balanced view of all events that took place on that day.

    Furthermore, I feel that you may appreciate that if lessons can be learned from what went wrong on that day, we can all work towards safer practices within the hot air balloon rides industry. With that in mind, please be so kind to bring me up to date on what, if any safety improvements have taken place within your organization since the 29th Sept 2010.

    Should it not be possible, for whatever reason for you to provide such timely information, I shall have no alternative but to base my hypothesis on all available information at that time.

    I hope that I can count on your full and prompt cooperation.

    Yours sincerely

    Nigel J Pogmore

    Hot Air Balloon Safety Concerns

  15. The 30 steps that a professional pilot needs to take in order to enhance his/her aviation career!
    The 30 steps that a professional pilot needs to take in order to enhance his/her aviation career!

    ONE: The pilot flies for a company for 2 years.

    TWO: As pilot approaches the end of the 2nd year’s term, he is assured that owing to having a “good team already in situ, one director does not want to change it” his 3rd years contract guaranteed.

    Three: The company’s base is just been inspected by the civil aviation authorities. Owing to a previous fatal accident, the civil aviation authority insists that his employer creates a new position of safety officer.

    FOUR: That safety officer is me. There’s a little bit of work to be done if we are going to stay out of trouble.

    FIVE: Aware of passenger safety issues, pilot submit safety recommendations.

    SIX: Companies aircraft have been running low on fuel and unable to complete planned duration, exhibit no reserve fuel.

    SEVEN: Pilot takes this up with non-pilot owner, pilot reprimanded and informed that it costs money to fly fuel. Well that’s a revelation, can cost more if you run out of fuel.

    EIGHT: Pilot disobeys order and takes enough fuel on flight against the wishes of non- pilot owner.

    NINE: Pilot shows non-pilot owner, photographs of aircraft defects.

    TEN: Non-pilot owner sacks pilot, he does not like my photographs.

    ELEVEN: Non- pilot owner warns dismissed pilot not to bother going to the civil aviation authority as they fill their pockets.

    TWELVE: Pilot protests.

    THIRTEEN: Pilot receives further warning, from non-pilot owner, go quietly or we will tarnish your reputation within the industry.

    FOURTEEN: Pilot departs however attempts to negotiate reasonable solution to problem.

    FIFTEEN: Company has moved on, not interested.

    SIXTEEN: After failed attempts to bring about a meeting, with many months have been passed by, pilot eventually goes public. http://www.hotairballoonsafety.com

    SEVENTEEN: Company gets upset.

    EIGHTEEN: Pilot gives public warning, informs his readers to expect an accident in the operators flying area involving one of their aircraft.

    NINETEEN: Four months later, same company suffers fatal accident, two passengers are killed, and 8 others are seriously injured, seriously disfigured. injured female survivor, says a heart wrenching goodbye to husband who is dying in her arms at the crash site.

    TWENTY: Company attempts to sue pilot of $500,000 for damaging their business, This takes place in Nepal. pilot left wondering if the company’s reputation has suffered any damage due to its involvement in multiple fatal accidents.

    TWENTY-ONE: Company pays money to lawyer and arranges an arrest warrant of pilot that that raised safety issues and forewarned of the accident.

    TWENTY-TWO: Pilot and his wife can’t return home for fear of being arrested on malicious charges. if safety conscious pilot is found guilty, he could face 6 years in the Nepalese jail.

    TWENTY-THREE: Pilot returned home to the UK. Pilots wife has to stay behind.

    TWENTY-FOUR: Company pays more money this time to UK lawyer in order to send letters of intimidation, threatened to sue.

    TWEENY-FIVE: Pilots livelihood and career ruined.

    TWENTY-SIX: Company continues to prosper.

    TWENTY SEVEN: Pilot and wife communicate via Skype.

    TWENTY EIGHT: Professional aviation so romantic!

    TWENTY NINE: Leaking balloons, windy takeoffs, videos republished.

    THIRTY: http://vimeo.com/27965137 also http://vimeo.com/27946256

    Copyright notice

    Videos and photographs protected to the tune of £75,000 each, should anyone or company make any further false claims.

  16. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the fatal hot air balloon accident in the Serengeti,ONE that claimed two lives and injured 8, suspicion surrounds the lack of transparency. Questions are being asked as to what is there to hide?

    Was the balloon sufficiently equipped? Was the person that was flying the balloon qualified ? Did he have the correct training & qualifications not to mention the correct licensing requirements?

    Investigator Nigel Pogmore intends to find out. Today we should I shall be publishing our findings on our website.

    With the operator involved in this tragic event, appearing to be the only operator not using some form of rapid deflation system, I’m appealing to those operators in Kenya to come forward and publish what sort of deflation system they are using at this time.

    Do the Kenyan operators operate in the same way as their counterpart in the Serengeti? which is the safest location to fly ?

    check out my fuel calculations. Could it be that I found an hot air balloon ride operator, attempting to fly passengers in balloons seriously under fuelled?

    Feel free to contact me via my website At hot air balloon safety concerns.com
    NIGEL POGMORE

  17. We received the email below on Friday, November 4. It is too long to publish in its entirety; we’ve published the beginning and ending bits, and you can request the full contents using the email published at the end. – JH

    well okay it been a long time coming, what is it going to take to put back the much needed professionalism in to the balloon rides industry ? Once you have had a read of the letter below, many shall understand that I shall not be sitting back as i strive foe higher passenger safety standards. When a pilot takes such action then those that need to take note may do so.

    Should SBS or others have any doubts regarding my commitment to this protests, I would encourage that you make arrangements to place your own observers in position. 

    Should SBS like to discus matters & at the same time safeguard continued confidentially of this document, you are strongly advised to contact me before 2000hrs,  Thursday 3rd  November 2010.  

    I shall be informing you of the location of this protest no later than Monday 7th November 2011. This is to co-inside with the opening of the WTM.

    To make contact SBS should do so on [email protected] additionally CC to to [email protected]

    Yours Faithfully

    Nigel J Pogmore
    Hot air balloon safety concerns
    & former safety officer
    Serengeti Balloon Safaris ltd.

  18. I have 4,000 hours plus as PIC in hot air balloons in a variety of countries, in sizes up to and including 450’s. I am an Authorized Test Officer for CASA (Australia). I operate a Commercial Balloon Flying School in Australia and I have an Air Operators Certificate.

    I want to say three things:

    1. All balloons larger than 84,000 cubic feet – in commercial operations should (must?) be fitted with rapid deflation devices.
    2. The pilot should always determine the amount of fuel on board and I believe this should be for the duration planned plus 30 minutes reserve. This ensures full pressure to all burners.
    3. Pogmore worked for me for 5 years (3 in Australia and 2 in Nepal) and I found him to be capable, safe and diligent with a good work ethic.
    Chris Dewhirst

  19. On September 27 2009 I was in a hot air balloon ride with the SBS Company over the Serengeti. It was a beautiful morning with little wind. All went well for the first part and then the pilot , Frank ( I have his last name too ) an American with self confessed 30+ years flying experience, told us he would descend and follow a river below . I saw a stand of trees in the distance and thought little of it until we got closer. Twice I turned to look at what Frank was doing in this regard and saw him firing the balloon so assumed he was calculating the height and taking the balloon higher to miss the trees. Not so. I was on the corner of the basket that was in a direct line with the trees and, at the last minute , got down in my compartment and hung on for dear life. I can still hear the horrific noise as the basket got dragged through the branches. There were sticks and leaves everywhere and people were screaming. The basket started to tip sideways and I firmly believed we were all going to be tipped out and fall to our deaths.Bearing in mind we were still metres up in the air, this was a hideous experience. By some chance the basket righted and kept going. The man in the next compartment took the brunt of the branches across his head, neck and shoulders. He was bleeding, groaning and very confused.His wife was very distraught. I yelled to Frank that someone was injured. He ignored me and kept flying. I assumed he would call his ground crew, we would land and the injured man would be attended to. But No. I yelled at Frank again and told him that this man needed medical attention. Again he ignored me and the flight continued. I heard him having conversations with other passengers about what they could see below as if nothing had happened. Eventually we neared the planned landing site and Frank gave us instructions on how to position ourselves in our compartments. He warned us it may be bumpy as there were termite hills below and we might hit some. We did !!! 3 of them. I noticed the corner of my compartment had a hole in it and I remarked to the gentleman beside me that I thought something had most likely happened before that day to create it. Not very comforting I didn’t feel. After a very bumpy landing , the basket landed lying on it’s side. Passengers were portraying their concern and I heard Frank say to them that there was nothing wrong with them. He gave me the first aid box and told me to take care of the injured man !!!! I have no medical training but did the best I could. The first aid box was full of dust and with very limited supplies. There was no help offered from the crew. The injured man went into shock and collapsed on the ground. When I yelled at a crew member, who was standing watching me , to get the man to a hospital….only then was there movement.
    After he was taken away in the crew vehicle, I joined the rest of the passengers who were standing to the side having drinks ( as planned ). We were shortly taken to another location where it was planned to have a bush breakfast. I rode in the vehicle with Frank and was appalled that he was criticising one of the passengers for his attitude to what had happened in the balloon. At the breakfast site, Frank behaved like nothing was wrong and breakfast proceeded. How he could set up a table and sell souvenirs was beyond me. I wanted no part of it and moved away to the side. He came over to me and thanked me for taking care of the injured man. I questioned him about the events and asked him what had happened. He admitted to he that ” he had not seen the trees “.
    Later when I rejoined my travel group ( I had been the only one from my group who had gone ballooning that day ) the event was discussed. My guide was very upset and went to find Frank. We had a discussion whereby I asked for a refund stating that I didn’t want to pay huge money to be potentially killed by him. He told me to contact the company directly and gave me an email address.
    Upon my return to my own country ( I didn’t email at that time because I was still travelling and internet wasn’t very good ) I tried to send an email to the address Frank had given me and soon realised it was a false one. A google search , after some efforts, led me to the director of SBS. I gave him my version of events as I did not believe Frank would be forthcoming judging by his attitude on that day. I asked for my money back but after some time was told that I would get half of it ( which I did ) The only passenger that I am aware of who received full reimbursement was the injured man. He also got compensated for his broken video camera which he had in his hand. Frank, I was told, lost his job and was deported back to America.
    In this case it was total pilot error….self confessed at that. That experience has put me off ever going in a hot air balloon again which is such a pity as it was something on my bucket list. Instead of having a peaceful, exhilarating ride it almost turned into another disaster .
    Note……I did see the injured man and his wife later that day and he had been checked out at a medical centre and told to watch for concussion.

  20. On 1 May 2012, Hot Air Balloon Safety published the AIB report surrounding the fatal balloon accident that took place in the Serengeti National Park in September 2010. We understand that this document was only made available after repeated & firm diplomatic intervention by the concerned Embassies.

    Tragically one American along with one Danish passenger died at the crash site, while eight others suffered serious injuries. The ordeal they had to endure shall effect them for the rest of their lives.

    With the Tanzanian AIB report found to be not only seriously lacking in detail, yet Insultingly in sharp contrast to witness statements, I have also published my findings on that are based on information to hand.

    My professional view is that despite the AIB’s many failings, it inadvertently serves to demonstrate questionable levels of competency. Furthermore, it adds strength to the theory that the operator used whatever persuasive means it had at its disposal in order to take advantage of the TCAA. This act was with the sole intention to cultivate an environment whereby it successfully managed to reverse rolls, insofar as to who was answerable to whom.

    Once that destructive status was established, the operator was treated more as a client of the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority rather than an air operator, that is normally only allowed to operate under the watchful eye of such Authority.

    As well as observing what was said in the report, it is hugely worthwhile noting what was not included. There appears to be mounting evidence to suggest that by the TCAA succumbing to either unsolicited offering by the operator or one side demanding unprofessional transactions to take place. This tail wagging the dog scenario signaled the green light for the operator to conduct its passenger rides business dangerously outside the normal parameters. For an example I refer to the acts of simply omitting normal safety devices, pieces of equipment, as well as operating its passenger balloons with dangerously low fuel levels.

    Given the strong wind normally experienced in the Serengeti, I can report that safety levels were not in keeping with those demeaned when flying in this location. Furthermore at times I found that passenger safety was at best below than what the public should expect to find in a commercial balloon rides company that they placed their trust in. My personal experience of flying in the Serengeti, along with other finding have uncovered that the dangers run far deeper.

    Whilst on the day in question, there is indisputable evidence of the passenger balloon taking to the air in less than perfect weather conditions, it was operated by a novice, lacked appropriate means of deflation. In-part the points raised above indicates that the undermining of the authority contributed to the downward trend surrounding passenger safety in the Serengeti.

    You can find more information on http://www.hotairballoonsafety.com I look forward to receiving any comments you may have.

  21. Attn Capt Pogmore.
    I tried to make contact via the site you advised but my email was rejected by the server. Do you have an alternative ?

  22. ACCIDENT PRONE SERENGETI BALLOON SAFARIS

    AWARDED

    THE FIVE BLACK COFFIN AWARD

    Facts at a glance:-

    SBS has had no less than six accident, three were fatal.

    2010, November.

    After leaving a trail of death & injured passenger, SBS adopt heavy handed tactics.

    In flailed attempt to silence their former pilot & safety officer, in November 2010 Serengeti Balloon Safaris sent in masked men via their katmandu based lawyers. At that time they demanded hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation for apparently damaging their bookings. This demand came just weeks after their third fatal accident, this time taking the life’s of one American & one Danish passenger.

    Ex SBS Pilot stopped by gun men:

    Nepal, SBS place fabricated charges designed to intimidate their former pilot & safety officer. Prior to that, I was approached by men displaying a revolver who warned me that I might have a accident that I would not recover from if i did not close down my web site.

    Ex SBS Pilot remains in hiding:

    With both my own & my wife’s life on the line, we have remained in hiding ever since..

    ………………………………………………………..

    2011. Serengeti Balloon Safaris Uk solicitor Simon Burn:

    1: SBS now deny threats yet demand:-

    2: That I disable access to the web site & undertake not to publish further allegations. ( I refuse to do so)

    3: That I agree to join in a statement in open court ( in terms to be agreed) which vindicates their clients: ( I refuse to do so)

    4: That I write a letter of apology to Mr Pascoe & Mr Mackinnon making clear that the allegations that I have made against them are wholly untrue: ( That would amount to perjury )

    5: That I pay their clients an appropriate sum of money in order to vindicate their reputations and in the case of Mr Pascoe & Mr Mackinnon to compensate them for damage and distress suffered: ( I refuse to do so)

    6: That I indemnify them for their legal costs in dealing with this matter in any event.
    ( I refuse to do so)

    7: It goes without saying that their client’s attitude to the question of recompense will be influenced by my swift acceptance of requirements.

    Well there you have in a nutshell, I was the pilot that warned SBS & others of the dangers. It is SBS that have being involved in the deaths of no less than five innocent people. SBS have also Injured countless others, yet strangely they feel they are owed compensation & an apology. At the same time they feel that they can without question retain the right to operate passenger balloon that have placed passenger in unacceptable danger. Further more SBS feel that they can threaten a pilot, yet remain below the public radar.

    Full details, along with the certificate can be found at the following link.

    http://www.hotairballoonsafety.com/FIVE-BLACK-COFFIN-AWARD-TO-SBS.html 

  23. Announcement

    Ex Serengeti Balloon Safaris Pilot / Safety Officer that had warned the public to expect an accident in the Serengeti, is now to be interviewed by UK Police under caution.

    13th September 2012, I received a phone call from Avon & Somerset Police, subsequently a date for questioning was arranged for 20th Sept. In the lead up to this proposed interview, on Saturday 15th, I received another call from one of the two investigating officers, to clarify my request to numerous questions that I had set out in an email sent to them on friday 14th September.

    Prior to questioning:

    20th September 2012: At this time, despite the above requests, I have not being afforded the details of their line of enquiry other than that SBS’s director Mr Tony Pascoe has apparently made a complaint, no further explanation was received. The officer refused my request to provided me with an outline of Pascoe’s complaint, saying that ” I want spontaneous answers not considered answers”. I feel that whilst this approach might be normal police tactics, in this case it may have encumber proceedings, not to mention giving reason for the seed of distrust to take root.

    This complaint comes as we approach the two year anniversary of the double fatal accident in the Serengeti on the 29th September, the very accident that I had warned of in May 2010. Additionally this is almost three years after SBS’s none fatal accident that is reported to have taken place on the 27 September 2009.

    I feel that this is no coincidence that at time of receiving notice of Mr. Pascoe’s complaint, I was due to fly out to the USA in order to testify in case involving Serengeti Balloon Safaris LTD relating to matters surrounding the fatal accident of 29th Sept 2010.

    Readers that have being following this site since early 2010, may recall that prior to the above accidents, two others were killed in 2008 when an aircraft registered to SBS crashed.

    Having previously attempted, yet without success to attract the UK authorities attention, many may find it ironic having being aided by Pascoe’s complaint, it finally appears that this may well provide the long over due opportunity to set the wheels of officialdom in motion. Having had to wait so long, I have a lot to say, therefore I shall be only too happy to cooperate fully with the Avon & Somerset police during this investigation.

    Obviously interesting times lie ahead. As, has always been the case throughout this public awareness initiative, in the interests of transparence, I shall be keeping my readers fully informed.

    Nigel.

  24. Updated 17th September 2012

    The two investigating officers drove from Bristol to York in order to question me, apparently with the intention of arresting me. Myself armed with tape recordings, hundreds of pages of evidence was perhaps a pleasant surprise for these detectives. I cannot hide the fact that through no fault of my own, having waited so long, I was quite eager to enlighten these police officers as to what had actually been taking place.

    Whilst remaining totally at liberty to release all information relating to what took place during approximately 7 hours of questioning, respecting the fact that investigations are continuing with a reported “new lines of enquiry”, lines that I feel may well have materialised during my questioning, I shall be taking legal advice as to what information is appropriate to make public at this time.

    What I can tell you at this time, is that the nature of Mr Pascoe’s complaint produce a possible situation whereby charges of harassment and blackmail were on the cards. In fact these officers initially indicated that they intended to charge me before being questioned. This gave me a strong indication that they may well have arrived with some misplaced preconceived ideas, all possibly based on fictitious probably malicious reporting by Mr Pascoe. This was not the first time that he has attempted to draw in henchmen from authorities, in this instance I am referring to his activities with the Nepalese police force.

    As I pointed out earlier, Mr Pascoe’s complaint came at a time when I was about to leave for the USA to testify in the legal proceedings between Serengeti Balloon Safaris and those caught up in the aftermath of SBS third fatal accident.

    Perhaps unbeknown to Mr Pascoe at the time of him deciding to lodge his complaint, my travel plans had just been delayed. So My question is, was it a coincidence that Mr Pascoe choose this time to lodge a complaint?

    Now as a key witness into events leading up to the fatal accident of 2010, having been threatened, for my own personal security, other than to say that at this time, I was outside the UK and communicating with others in preparation to testify in USA court proceedings, I cannot divulges my exact location.

    Although my laptop was handed over to the investigating officers, voluntarily! to date no charges have been laid against me. Naturally no one wants to be deliberately arrested, however should such charges ever be formally made against me, thereafter arrested on such charges, I remain confident of defending my actions before the judge and jury system found in the UK.

    Having been afforded privileges contained within a commercial pilot license, I remain fully committed to reporting of dangerous operating procedures, at the end of the day once confronted with ineffective civil aviation authorities, public awareness initiatives such as this, may well save lives.

  25. Pilot involved in

    SERENGETI BALLOON SAFARIS FATAL ACCIDENT

    had previously had his licence suspended on the grounds of

    Recklessness

    likely to endanger the life or property of anyone

    Transport Appeals Tribunal Canada

    Extracts of legal documentation, a public document.

    8 The “pilot in command” on the subject crash was Frank Bellantoni. (Pascoe Dep. 58:3-21.) Relevant pages of the September 19, 2012 Tony Pascoe deposition transcript are Exhibit 7 to the Bond Affidavit. Before this crash, Mr. Bellantoni had his license suspended for operating a balloon “in a reckless manner when available aviation weather reports indicated that operations could endanger or be likely to endanger the life or property of any person.” (Mackinnon Dep. 122:12-25, Ex. 23.) Relevant pages of the September 19, 2012 Colin Mackinnon deposition transcript are Exhibit 8 to the Bond Affidavit. end

    file no. 0-3186-02

  26. For legal reasons there’s not much that can be said right now other than informing you all that the cases continues and is now heading to the Supreme Court

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