@article{ref1,
title="Factors associated with fatalities and injuries from hot-air balloon crashes",
journal="JAMA journal of the American Medical Association",
year="1998",
author="Cowl, Clayton T. and Jones, Michael P. and Lynch, Charles F. and Sprince, N. L. and Zwerling, Craig S. and Fuortes, L. J.",
volume="279",
number="13",
pages="1011-1014",
abstract="CONTEXT: Despite the increased popularity of hot-air balloon flight, data on injuries and fatalities associated with hot-air balloon crashes are limited. OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with injury and death in hot-air balloon crashes. DESIGN: Retrospective review of data collected from reports and investigations by the Civil Aeronautics Board and the National Transportation Safety Board. STUDY SUBJECTS: Individuals involved in US hot-air balloon crashes from 1964 to 1995. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Total number of crashes and factors associated with fatality or serious injury. RESULTS: From 1964 to 1995, a total of 495 hot-air balloon crashes involving 1533 persons were reported and included 92 fatalities and 384 serious injuries. Pilot error or incapacitation was determined subjectively by crash investigators to contribute to 85.1% of the crashes. In univariate analysis, collision with the ground was the most significant predictor of a fatality or serious injury (P &lt; .001), and power-line contact was the most significant predictor of fatality (P &lt; .001). In multiple logistic regression, only the type of object struck by a balloon predicted a fatal crash or a fatality or serious injury. CONCLUSIONS: Although a number of factors likely contribute to increased severity of hot-air balloon crashes, the object struck during a crash is most predictive of fatality or serious injury. Preventive efforts are needed to decrease future injuries.<br />",
language="",
issn="0098-7484",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}