The balloon from which the paratroopers jumped near Botevgrad has no documents, registration and airworthiness. The pilot who flew it is unlicensed. This was stated by Anelia Marinova, chief director of the “Civil Aviation Administration”, quoted by Nova TV.
"We have received several reports against the pilot. We have carried out inspections, the last one was on October 13, when a finding protocol was drawn up for identified violations. The police were also called. We are in the process of issuing a criminal decree for fines. Unfortunately, this could not prevent the accident", Marinova.
According to her, constant checks have found only 11 balloons in the country duly registered. "Only four of them are airworthy. All others are in violation. The fine is from BGN 3,000 to BGN 10,000, both for the owner of the balloon and for the pilot who operates it. The purchase of a balloon cannot be controlled, but it is the buyer's duty to submit documents, and after a successful inspection, a license is issued.
There are no explicit bans on skydiving from balloons, and thrill seekers are increasingly inventive. We will most likely look for legislative amendments, in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the tax inspectorate - including confiscation of the aircraft used to fly in violation of the regulations. Recently, at the balloon fiesta in Belogradchik, we drew up several administrative acts for violations," said Anelia Marinova.
We remind you that early this morning it became clear that two paratroopers jumped from a hot air balloon and, probably due to a problem with their equipment, fell near Botevgrad. One of them died on the spot, and the other was admitted to hospital with life-threatening conditions, emergency services told NOVA.