A hot air balloon in Utah made a big splash on Saturday after being forced to make an emergency water landing. The aircraft landed safely and no one on board was injured.
The incident occurred during an annual hot air balloon festival in Kanab, a city in southern Utah, just above the Arizona state line.
Matt Newey, a photojournalist affiliated with NBC, told the station that he and his girlfriend were looking for an unforgettable experience.
“We took off, then we started to float, and there were some balloons in front of us,” said Newey. “It was beautiful – one of the most beautiful views.”
The flight took a turn when they started flying over a reservoir.
“You could kind of feel it. It was like we hit a wind wall and we just started to fall and go down very fast, ”said Newey.
The photojournalist said that conditions quickly made them realize that they would not be able to reach the coast.
The video showed the hot air balloon dipping briefly into the icy waters.
“It falls to the side and the whole thing starts to fill with water,” he said.
The couple said the pilot immediately went into action, leveling the balloon up and out of the water.
“I never felt like our lives were in danger,” said Newey. “It was just a strange and funny stroke of luck.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said on Monday that no other details were available.
Newey added that, despite the distressing experience, the couple plans to return next year.
“I would not like to land any other way,” he said.
