Civil Aviation Authority probes drone incident that forced hot air balloon landing in Hamilton

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

The Civil Aviation Authority is investigating a mid-air drone incident that forced a hot air balloon to make an emergency landing in Dinsdale.

The green and black striped balloon, Dragonfly, came down at Wake Park, near Aberdeen School, about 8am on March 24 after it was struck by a drone.

The CAA confirmed to the Waikato Times that it is investigating.

“CAA investigations determine the facts of an incident and only then consider the appropriate regulatory response. Depending on the investigation findings, this may inform future safety messaging,” a spokesperson said.

Pilot David Norris previously told the Waikato Times he didn’t see the drone, but one of the three people on board spotted it before it disappeared.

“We hadn't seen it, so you just wonder what on earth's going on. At that point we were forced into having to land, which we did safely.”

Norris said drones have flown near balloons before but usually “stayed away from us”, warning it is a real issue for balloonists.

“Our envelopes are made of a nylon or polyester fabric and the propellers on drones can very easily tear the envelope.

Once there’s a hole, “it could become a very big opening whilst you're in the air and then you've got heat loss and uncontrolled descent to ground”.

Balloons Over Waikato flight director Nic Norris said there were no injuries and reminded people not to fly drones anywhere near hot air balloons.

Balloons fly at low altitudes, he said, making them vulnerable, and “any interference poses a serious safety risk.”

The CAA is urging drone operators to fly responsibly and keep people, property and traditional aircraft safe.

“As drone use continues to grow across New Zealand, the CAA remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure aviation system but we need drone operators to help us achieve that.”