Companies sued over horrific balloon crash

VANCOUVER — British Columbia is suing several third parties in efforts to recoup health care costs relating to a fiery hot-air balloon crash that killed two people and injured several others in August 2007.

Those named in the lawsuit are SRP Adventures Ltd., pilot Stephen Pennock, Aerostar International Inc., Raven Industries Inc., Doug Scott Aircraft Repair and the attorney-general of Canada, according to documents filed in B.C. Supreme Court.

The province claims, among other things: that Pennock was not properly trained to fly; that Scott performed unapproved modifications and failed to exercise reasonable care in repairing the balloon; and that the attorney-general of Canada, on behalf of Transport Canada, allegedly issued flight and operating certificates to SRP and Pennock without ensuring they were adequately equipped and able to operate the balloon.

In a statement issued through spokesman John Kageorge, Pennock reiterated that Transport Canada had approved the balloon for flight.

"Three years ago, the lives of my passengers as well as some people at Hazelmere RV Park changed forever," Pennock wrote. "Transport Canada [had] verified that the aircraft had been properly maintained and inspected. Not a day goes by that I don’t feel extreme sadness about the horrific accident."

Thirteen people were on board when the balloon’s basket erupted into flames, snapped its tether and began floating away, prompting 11 people to jump out. A mother and daughter who were unable to escape in time died. The balloon eventually crashed into a south Surrey trailer park, the flames consuming several motor homes.

According to court documents, injuries to at least four of the passengers included traumatic brain injury, second-degree burns, broken bones and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Under the Health Care Costs Recovery Act, the B.C. ministry of health can pursue third parties to recover health care costs paid by the government.