A MAN who broke a leg in a Ribble Valley hot air balloon accident today described how panic broke out as the basket hit the ground.

Martin Gabbutt, of Whitecroft Lane, Mellor, was one of 12 passengers on the pleasure flight, operated by the Pendle Balloon Company of Clayton-le-Dale, which was forced to land in Longridge when the wind dropped.

The father of two said: "It only became apparent in the last few minutes of the flight that there was something wrong.

"The pilot said it was going to be a rough landing and it was. We bounced twice. I remember feeling a huge sense of relief when we first landed because I thought we had got down in one piece but then someone screamed that they had a broken leg. Panic set in and then we took off again.

"A lot of people in Longridge had been watching us. Someone rang an ambulance and I went into shock. They had to get me out and lay me on the ground. I was shaking and shivering."

Mr Gabbutt, a veterinary surgeon, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital where he was found to have a broken leg. He expects to be off work for six weeks and will have to employ a locum. He has had to cancel a holiday planned for next week. His brother, Tim Gabbutt, of Mellor Brow, Mellor, had accompanied him on the balloon trip in place of his wife, Lynn, who was ill on the day of the flight. Tim, 39, was unhurt. Mr Gabbutt, who had been given the flight as a 38th birthday present, said he would be very interested in the conclusions of the inquiry launched by the Department of Transport's accident and investigation branch after the incident.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans defended the balloon company. He said: "I don't want this country to become a nanny state, where everything that has a risk is regulated beyond reason. Common sense should prevail in this case as the Pendle Balloon Company have the required licence and take every precaution to ensure their passengers have a safe and enjoyable flight.

"The industry seems acutely aware of the dangers inherent in the nature of flying, and this is reflected by the remarkably few incidents that occur. There will of course be a full investigation taken up by the industry's own regulatory body and the Civil Aviation Authority.

However, if we were to go down the route of banning a sport every time there was an accident we would all be reduced to a hoop and stick."

Another passenger on the flight, Susan McDonald, 52, of Altrincham, suffered back injuries. She was said to be "comfortable" at Royal Preston Hospital today and was due to be moved to a hospital nearer home.

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