Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS

Derya Azık Özkan

doi:10.30518/jav.1697241

Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS

Abstract

Hot air balloons play a significant role in tourism in Türkiye. Despite offering a unique experience, they are also associated with a relatively high risk of accidents. According to the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (2024), hot air balloon accidents account for 36% of aviation incidents, highlighting the need for closer examination of these occurrences. Since human factors constitute the dominant contributory element in aviation accidents, it is crucial to analyze hot air balloon incidents from this perspective. This study examines two serious hot air balloon accidents in Türkiye that occurred between 2021 and 2024, focusing on the human factors involved. Using a mixed methodology, including the 5 Whys Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS), the research investigates systemic issues. Data were collected from official accident reports published by the Transport Safety Investigation Center under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye. The analysis reveals significant patterns in decision-making errors, insufficient meteorological assessments, inadequate training, and organizational shortcomings. The findings show that both accidents were driven by systemic failures rather than pilot error alone. These included issues with organizational processes, supervisory oversight, and safety culture. The study emphasizes the need for improved meteorological systems, better training for adverse weather conditions, and enhanced safety management practices that stress the importance of a proactive safety culture and stronger operational planning to address human factors and reduce risks in hot air balloon operations.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research was not supported by any external institution.

Ethical Statement

This study involves document analysis and does not require additional ethical approval, as it does not involve human participants or sensitive data. It was conducted in compliance with relevant ethical guidelines and standards.

Thanks

No acknowledgments or thanks are due for this submission.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Air Transportation and Freight Services

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Derya Azık Özkan ^*
0000-0002-9014-4029
Türkiye

Early Pub Date

October 9, 2025

Publication Date

October 19, 2025

Submission Date

May 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

July 8, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1697241

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA63CL49RE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Azık Özkan, D. (2025). Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS. Journal of Aviation, 9(3), 614-622. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1697241

AMA

1.Azık Özkan D. Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS. JAV. 2025;9(3):614-622. doi:10.30518/jav.1697241

Chicago

Azık Özkan, Derya. 2025. “Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS”. Journal of Aviation 9 (3): 614-22. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1697241.

EndNote

Azık Özkan D (October 1, 2025) Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS. Journal of Aviation 9 3 614–622.

IEEE

[1]D. Azık Özkan, “Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS”, JAV, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 614–622, Oct. 2025, doi: 10.30518/jav.1697241.

ISNAD

Azık Özkan, Derya. “Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS”. Journal of Aviation 9/3 (October 1, 2025): 614-622. https://doi.org/10.30518/jav.1697241.

JAMA

1.Azık Özkan D. Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS. JAV. 2025;9:614–622.

MLA

Azık Özkan, Derya. “Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS”. Journal of Aviation, vol. 9, no. 3, Oct. 2025, pp. 614-22, doi:10.30518/jav.1697241.

Vancouver

1.Derya Azık Özkan. Hot Air Balloon Accidents in Turkish Airspace: Human Factors Through RCA and HFACS. JAV. 2025 Oct. 1;9(3):614-22. doi:10.30518/jav.1697241