Hot air balloon pilot was on coke and cannabis during fatal power line crash: investigators

The pilot of a hot-air balloon that crashed in New Mexico was on cocaine and hashish when he hit energy strains, sending all 5 folks aboard plummetting 100 toes to their deaths, in accordance with investigators.

Nicholas Meleski’s “latest use” of coke and marijuana possible had “impairing results” that contributed to the June 26, 2021, crash, the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) concluded in its remaining report into the deadliest balloon accident in New Mexico’s historical past.

The 62-year-old pilot didn’t keep sufficient clearance from the ability strains and struck them whereas making an attempt to land in Albuquerque, in accordance with the NTSB, which discovered no proof of mechanical malfunctions or failures.

The basket indifferent from the balloon and plummeted 100 toes to the bottom, killing Meleski, Susan Montoya, 65, her husband John Montoya, 61, Martin Martinez, 59, and his spouse Mary, 62.

John Montoya, the one passenger to initially survive the autumn, later succumbed to his accidents on the College of New Mexico Hospital.

Meleski’s household told Albuquerque station KOB-TV that their hearts exit to the households of the victims.

“We can not categorical the depth of our grief and disappointment for the ache this accident has triggered — our hearts exit to the households and family members of the passengers,” they stated in an announcement.

“We need to additionally thank the complete scorching air ballooning neighborhood of New Mexico and internationally. The outpouring of affection and help has been overwhelming and we proceed to grieve with you. Nick liked this neighborhood so dearly, and our household will proceed to help the game any manner we are able to,” the household stated.

“Whether or not you crew for a pilot or are a veteran within the skies… Might the winds welcome you with softness. Might the solar bless you with its heat fingers. Might you fly so excessive and so effectively that God joins you in laughter and units you gently again into the loving arms of Mom Earth,” they added.

Martin Martinez labored as a police officer, first for the town of Albuquerque and later for its public college system, earlier than retiring.

Susan Montoya was an assistant college principal and her husband labored with special-education college students.

Federal officers stated the crash was the deadliest balloon accident in New Mexico’s historical past and the second deadliest within the US since 2016.

Albuquerque is house to an annual worldwide balloon fiesta that pulls 1000’s of spectators each October.

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