Balloon hits power line, briefly knocks out power to one home

by Ross Courtney
Yakima Herald-Republic

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PROSSER -- A hot air balloon struck a power line Friday northeast of here, knocking out electricity to one home.

Nobody was hurt.

The balloon was one of 30 in Prosser this weekend for the annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally.

The balloonist, Jerry Gobet of Canby, Ore., flew over a tree and didn't see a single-phase Benton REA power line, said Troy Berglund, an REA spokesman.

The balloon basket became caught up against the power line as the wind blew the balloon to the northeast, Berglund said. The pressure eventually snapped the line.

Gobet landed in a nearby field and portions of his balloon ended up in a canal, Berglund said.

He and his passengers were unhurt.

REA crews repaired the line and restored power to the one home within an hour, Berglund said.

Berglund did not know the condition of Gobet's balloon.

Gobet is a veteran balloonist who has been to Prosser's event for many years. He is serving as this year's balloon meister, who coordinates launches and makes safety decisions, said Berglund, also the master of ceremonies for the rally.

In 2006, Gobet allowed a Yakima Herald-Republic photographer to ride with him in his balloon, Mirays.

Launches for the Great Prosser Balloon Rally began Friday and will continue Saturday and Sunday mornings.

 



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