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2024-01-15 -Short Attention Span Theater-

Arizona hot air balloon crash kills four

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Posted by Besoeker 2024-01-15 00:00|| || Front Page|| [22 views ] Top

#1 As was mentioned in the comments; 'eight way formation jump' resulting in simultaneous reduction of roughly 1.5 tons of cargo, likely caused the basket to bolt skyward, resulting in balloon collapse and streamer.

Posted by Besoeker 2024-01-15 00:09|| 2024-01-15 00:09|| Front Page Top

#2 I have absolutely no idea what that means, Besoeker, but I’m sure you’re right.

Posted by trailing wife 2024-01-15 00:37|| 2024-01-15 00:37|| Front Page Top

#3 /\ Balloon inflation requires both hot air and a constant weight applied to ensure uniform inflation. Constant weight, much like that of a parachute canopy. Without the gravitational pull of the heavy basket, tension of the suspension lines is lost and the balloon begins to fold or streamer.

If you have a parachute malfunction and cut away the main canopy to deploy a reserve, the malfunctioning canopy simply folds and slips away.

The commenter's theory anyway. Sounded valid to me.

Posted by Besoeker 2024-01-15 05:53|| 2024-01-15 05:53|| Front Page Top

#4 ^^ Physics

Posted by Mullah Richard 2024-01-15 07:57|| 2024-01-15 07:57|| Front Page Top

#5 ^hot air

Posted by Skidmark 2024-01-15 09:14|| 2024-01-15 09:14|| Front Page Top

#6 This wasn't a Boeing balloon, by any chance?
(No, no, had to ask...)
BTW, the Brits used to practice airborne jumps from a balloon towed by a truck. For when the fog was too bad for the plane. Totally serious.

Posted by ed in texas 2024-01-15 10:15|| 2024-01-15 10:15|| Front Page Top

#7 I was a "towed jumper" on a ROK Army balloon drop years ago.

Totally NOT serious.

Posted by Besoeker 2024-01-15 15:03|| 2024-01-15 15:03|| Front Page Top

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