Serengeti Balloon Safaris;
Is this the second worst case of miscarriage of justice
since the Post Office scandal?
From the Serengeti
A Million Tears
Pour
By Nigel Pogmore
former Pilot/Safety officer
Serengeti Balloon Safaris
© 2016
This is a true story that originates in the Serengeti National Park in 2007 and extends to 2024.
As a commercial hot air balloon pilot with 20 years of international experience and a photography enthusiast, the opportunity to work in this location was a dream come true. Unfortunately, with the operator stubbornly against urgently required changes, arising from my passenger safety concerns, it became a complete nightmare, more so for passengers injured and relatives of those killed.
At the time, the company’s fleet consisted of six passenger balloons ranging in capacity from 8 to 16 passengers.
A normal day would be to fly 32 passengers utilising the two larger balloons.
Some time after my arrival, I learned that UK-owned Serengeti Balloon Safaris Ltd (SBS) had already experienced no less than three accidents, one causing a fatality.
During my time with SBS, they also experienced another accident that took place in early 2008, causing two more fatalities and injuring several others.
Injuries were so catastrophic that one had to relearn how to walk, whereas a young British girl was eventually medevaced back to a UK hospital where she spent several more weeks.
In January 2009, along with my piloting duties, I was requested to assume the role of safety officer, to which I agreed.
As with any airline, my philosophy is that there is always scope to improve passenger safety.
Despite warnings from my colleagues that our employers didn't take kindly to changes, I just couldn't see the rationale in ignoring what to me were glaring operational and passenger safety concerns. I submitted a primary report, days later, I was sacked, SBS went on to have two more accidents.
Eearly April 2010, Having already gone public, I was threatened with a revolver: "Take down your website, or you will have an accident that you will not recover from". On the 5th of May 2010,telling my readers of that event; I publicly predicted that any operator in anyway associated with such activity was heading for disaster, warning my readers to expect more accidents emanating from the Serengeti. At the time, I wasn't aware of the September 2009 crash piloted by my immediate replacement.
On September 27, 2009, my American replacement (Frank A) crashed into a tree, causing a head injury to one passenger that required urgent medical intervention. I understand that SBS dismissed that pilot and replaced it with a Canadian (Frank B)
One year, on September 29th 2010, Canadian pilot Frank B decided to fly in reported windy conditions. The weather was so unsuitable for any balloon flight that his Australian colleague piloting the second balloon decided not to fly; strangely, the Canadian pilot allowed his trainee to operate the balloon up untill the first of what was reported to be many impacts. According to reports 45 minutes into a fast flight, they were in big trouble; eventually crashing into the ground repeatedly over a reported half-mile crash site. There are undisputed reports of several passengers being thrown out of the baskets.
Tragically one American, along with one Danish passenger, were pronounced deceased at the crash site. As you read the survivor's accounts, it is noted that eight survivors sustained horrific life-changing Injuries, according to reports compelling two to remain in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives. In subsequent US legal proceedings, it was revealed that the Canadian authorities had previously grounded the Canadian pilot for flying recklessly and endangering all others.
As with any air crash analysis/investigation, it is accepted that there are always numerous contributing factors. Glaringly only one of six SBS Passenger balloons were equipped with the safer rapid deflation system (RDS) a device that pilots would require during the landing sequence if they were to stand any possibility of preventing protracted-bumpy, life-threatening landings, which can be expected in the Serengeti.
In keeping with the World wide balloon rides industry; I have no doubts that had the SBS balloons being appropriately equipped with RDS, the outcome of this tragedy andtjhose previous, could have been far more favourable.
Indefensibly, SBS's abhorrently failed to provide its passengers & pilots with available industry-standard safety devices.
Opinion: I believe that to be a crime in itself:-
There are three tests that can be used to determine whether a risk is reasonably foreseeable and are as follows;-
1: Common knowledge
2: Iindustry knowledge
3: Expert knowledge.
The foreseeability test
The foreseeability test asks if the defendant reasonably should have foreseen the consequences – namely, the plaintiff's injury – that would result from his or her conduct. If the answer is yes, the defendant will most likely be liable for damages.
As you read on, you will discover even passengers (to be found in passenger survey) had safety concerns. Additionally, UK manufacturers illegal modifications to a five-passenger balloon as well as operating with dangerously low fuel levels, brought about a deathly cocktail.
Uncannily, despite SBS being so obviously culpable, they purposely chose to disregard their own failings yet, with violent intent, acted in an identical fashion as ** highlighted in Post Office Scandal Documentary i.e., pursuing the innocent, In their desperation to silence a professional pilot; more threats along malicious criminal charges came my way as their agenda of Brand Protection got into full swing.
Similarities:
** Post office: With the threat of going to prison Successfully Intimidated postmasters/Mistresses into repaying!!! many thousands of pounds That the post office and the accused know fullwell the had not stolen in the first place. many ether Borrowed money on remortgage their house or even sold it to avoid going into prison, Despite their innocence Several did prison time ,mothers were separated from the children for many months,Suicide is followed.
The makings of a documentary
SBS: I am threatened with a revolver, don't publicly predicted more accidents they demanded $500,000 Compensation, carried out their threat to ruin my career, my entire livelihood, runin my marriage, I'm arrested, imprisoned, Electronically tagged, Curfewed, Banned from using the Internet.
Two Crown Court trials follow. Exonerated; no compensation paid.
Serengeti Balloon Safaris;
Is this the second worst case of miscarriage of justice
since the Post Office scandal?