HOT AIR BALLOONS
Over Chapman Heights Neighborhood
San
Bernardino County Sheriff-Yucaipa
Police Department received numerous 9-1-1
calls regarding two hot air balloons that may have crashed in a Yucaipa residential
area. Early morning Tuesday, February 6,
Sheriff Deputies were
dispatched immediately to
the Chapman Heights neighborhood. Upon arrival they observed a green and a blue
hot air balloon flying above the golf course and nearby residences, at times
coming within 5 feet of rooftops and hitting trees.
The Sheriff Deputies were able to make contact with both pilots, and requested
them to land, immediately. One balloon was able to safely land in the high
school baseball field. The second balloon was able to land safely in the
oranges groves of a private residence in Mentone.
Both pilots were identified as owners, and were flying the balloons for
personal use. The balloons were reported to have come very close to several
homes; although the Deputies were unable to locate any damaged residences. No
persons were injured as a result of the incident.
The
incident report will be issued with the Federal Aviation Administration for
further review of any possible FAA violations. Anyone with additional information
about this incident is urged to contact SBSD -
Yucaipa Police Detective
Donald Patton at (909) 918-2305.