An autopsy report has been updated to reveal that the pilot of a hot air balloon that tragically crashed in Arizona, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, had been administered an anesthetic after the incident. The Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office disclosed that toxicology tests indicated a high level of ketamine in the pilot's blood, although the source and timing of the substance entering his system were not initially specified.
The fatal incident occurred on January 14 when a hot air balloon operated by Droplyne Hot Air Balloon Rides plummeted approximately 2,000 feet to the desert floor near Eloy, south of Phoenix. The pilot, Cornelius van der Walt, along with three passengers lost their lives in the crash.
The amended report, released recently, clarified that while neither paramedics nor hospital staff administered ketamine to the pilot, the air ambulance company that transported van der Walt to the hospital did so. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
A preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board highlighted damage near the top of the balloon's envelope, where the sewn rim tape material was frayed, and several panels were found to be damaged. The envelope, which is filled with hot air to enable the balloon to ascend, showed signs of structural compromise.
Thirteen individuals were on board the balloon, including eight skydivers who had exited the gondola before the crash occurred. Witnesses reported that the balloon partially deflated and rapidly lost altitude before making a hard impact in an empty field used as a drop zone for skydivers.
Tragically, the crash claimed the lives of four individuals, including the pilot and three passengers. The deceased were identified as a 28-year-old from Indiana, a 28-year-old from Michigan, and a 24-year-old from California. Another woman sustained critical injuries in the accident.
Droplyne Hot Air Balloon Rides, the operator of the ill-fated flight, had previously boasted a flawless safety record but has since suspended operations at its two locations in Eloy and Utah following the incident.
