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How not to test a hot air balloon
August 17, 2008
Mountain Grove man killed in explosion of hot air balloon.
News-Leader staff
A Mountain Grove man is dead after he jumped from a tethered hot air balloon when he realized a propane tank was leaking. Another man who tried to help him is injured.
Marty Elmore of the Missouri Highway Patrol identified the man who died as Elmer Blair, 49, of Mountain Grove.
The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning just east of Mountain Grove, said Elmore. Blair was attempting a test flight of the balloon while the balloon was attached to a 100-foot tether.
In the process of initiating the flight, Blair got into the gondola of the balloon and realized a propane tank was leaking.
“Apparently Elmer Blair actually jumped from the gondola. One witness said it was from a height of 25 feet. Another said it was closer to 75,” said Elmore.
The balloon exploded, with parts of the burning gondola raining down on and near Blair.
Blair’s friend Elmer Lane, 34, of Mountain Grove attempted to pull Blair away from the burning wreckage and suffered moderate burns, said Elmore.
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