Female Pilot Killed in Terrifying Hot Air Balloon Crash

A tragic accident in Poland has left a young pilot dead after a hot air balloon crashed into a building, throwing her from the basket during the impact.

Authorities say Jagoda Gancarek was fatally injured on Monday, March 9, when the balloon she was riding in with two other passengers struck a building along Krzywoustego Street in the city of Zielona Góra.

According to a statement from the city’s District Prosecutor’s Office, Gancarek was ejected from the basket during the crash and fell onto the roof of the building.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene and attempted to revive her.

“The woman who fell from the balloon basket was resuscitated, but despite life-saving efforts, she could not be revived,” officials said in the statement.

Prosecutors later examined the scene where her body was found on the rooftop, and an autopsy has been ordered as part of the investigation.

Two other women who were also inside the balloon survived the crash and were taken to a nearby hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Investigators from the District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra and the State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation are now working to determine what caused the balloon to crash.

The aircraft is believed to have belonged to the Lubusz Land Aeroclub, where Gancarek worked as a pilot and instructor.

According to local reports, she completed her pilot training with the club in 2022 before eventually becoming an instructor who trained other aspiring pilots.

The Lubusz Land Aeroclub shared a heartfelt message following the tragedy.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the tragic death of our colleague, pilot of the Lubuska Aeroclub, Jagoda Gancarek,” the organization wrote in a statement.

The club said Gancarek was passionate about aviation and dedicated much of her life to flying.

“Jagoda lived her passion as a flight instructor. She also flew as a firefighter pilot,” the statement continued. “She had a lot of aviation experience and shared that experience with others.”

Gancarek was also a decorated competitor in ballooning events. In 2025, she won the title of Polish Women’s Champion at the 11th Women’s Balloon Championship.

The aeroclub said she will be remembered for her love of flying and the energy she brought to the aviation community.

“Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all members of the Lubuska Land Aeroclub. We send our deepest condolences,” the group added.

A funeral service for Gancarek was scheduled for Saturday, March 14, according to a local funeral home announcement.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.