Ombersley: Peter Gregory killed in balloon accident

A antheral who died successful a blistery aerial balloon mishap was an experienced pilot.

Peter Gregory, 25, known arsenic "Pilot Pete", died erstwhile the balloon fell to the crushed successful Ombersley, Worcestershire, aboriginal connected Sunday morning.

The clang is being investigated by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB).

His household said Mr Gregory, from Cirencester successful Gloucestershire, died doing thing helium loved.

"Be it successful a blistery aerial balloon oregon arsenic an hose pilot, Peter's passionateness for flying was thing his household and friends could lone respect and enactment him towards," his household said successful a connection issued done West Mercia Police.

"When helium acceptable his bosom to something, he'd ne'er springiness up, helium was driven and determined, and 1 could lone ticker connected successful awe."

According to a illustration connected UK Competition Ballooning, Mr Gregory gained his licence connected his 17th day and is simply a 3rd procreation pilot.

He has antecedently competed successful piloting competitions.

Mr Gregory's balloon crashed connected to Holt Fleet Road astatine astir 06:20 BST connected Sunday.

The AAIB said it had since recovered the balloon and relocated it to its office for examination.

"Our squad are continuing to marque enquiries, interrogation witnesses and stitchery grounds to assistance found the origin of the accident," a spokesperson added.

It followed a blistery aerial balloon festival adjacent successful Worcester, which finished connected Saturday night. The festival has said it was not related to the event.

A witnesser who lives nearby, Lynn Wood, told the BBC she had seen "two azygous balloons going crossed the entity successful the region and 1 abruptly started to fold up".

She said she did not spot a occurrence shot arsenic has been reported successful respective online quality reports.

Her relationship was supported by Paul Burrows, from the British Balloon and Airship club, who said immoderate reports into the mishap had been "sensationalised".

He said it was "a existent tragedy" and extended his condolences to Mr Gregory's family.