LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) — A public memorial to remember the 16 killed in a hot air balloon crash in Caldwell County last week is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 6.
The “Service of Remembrance and Healing” will start at 7:30 a.m. in front of the Historic Caldwell County Courthouse on Main Street in Lockhart. Families of the victims are expected to be in attendance.
While family and friends have identified all the passengers on board, Caldwell County says they have only officially identified these 13 victims:
Sunday Rowan
Matthew P. Rowan
Brian Neill
Tressie Neill
John Gore
Ross Chalk
Sandra Chalk
Harvey Scott Douglas
Laura Douglas
Alfred Nichols IV
Lorilee Brabson
Paige Brabson
Rockland Joseph Owens
While the National Transportation Saftey Board has not determined what caused the balloon to the utility lines, the agency says the balloon struck “high voltage powerlines” and then crashed into a field around 7:42 a.m. The balloon, a Kubicek BB85, was substantially damaged “due to impact forces and post-crash fire.”
At the NTSB’s last briefing in Lockhart earlier this week, the agency said it appeared the pilot, Skip Nichols, was preparing to land when he hit the utility lines.
In-Depth Coverage of the Hot Air Balloon Disaster
Public invited to memorial honoring balloon crash victims
August 5, 2016
The memorial is being held at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6—exactly one week after the crash happened—in Lockhart.
NTSB releases preliminary report on balloon crash
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The final report could take months, even years, before it is completed.
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Woman injured during balloon hard landing doesn’t blame pilot
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The same balloon that was involved in the deadly crash was involved in a hard landing in 2014.
All 16 passengers killed in balloon disaster identified
August 3, 2016
Sixteen people died when a hot air balloon crashed into a field near Lockhart on July 30, 2016.
FAA refused to act after warning about balloon oversight
August 5, 2016
The NTSB spokesperson at the Lockhart crash continues to say there is a “discontinuity” in the oversight of balloon companies and pilots.
What we know about balloon pilot Alfred ‘Skip’ Nichols
August 5, 2016
The pilot who died in a tragic crash near Lockhart had longstanding legal issues related to alcohol, marijuana and his business, according t…
NTSB: Pilot appeared to be landing balloon when it crashed
August 1, 2016
At 7:26 a.m., the ground crew said they received a position update from the pilot which normally indicates he is ready to land
Hot air balloon from disaster had a previous ‘hard landing’
August 2, 2016
FAA records show the same hot air balloon that crashed into power lines near Lockhart, killing all 16 on board Saturday, had a hard landing …
Balloon accident 911 describes fire
August 1, 2016
The first 911 caller for Saturday’s deadly hot air balloon accident near Lockhart, Texas told dispatchers it appeared to be a car on fire.
Ten passengers on board balloon identified
August 1, 2016
Family and friends have identified their loved ones but officials say they are still waiting for dental records to make a positive identific…
NTSB: Hot air balloon made contact with a utility wire
August 1, 2016
In order to help investigators piece together what happened, they will be interviewing the balloon crew as well as look at the balloon’s mai…
PHOTOS: Hot air balloon crashes outside of Lockhart
July 31, 2016
Photos from the scene showed a large law enforcement presence, as the National Transportation Safety Board and FBI arrived at the scene.
FAA warned of potential for many hot air balloon deaths
July 31, 2016
The board urged the FAA to require tour operators to get agency permission to operate, and that balloon operators be subject to FAA safety o…
Hot air balloon expert reacts to disaster near Lockhart
July 31, 2016
Ballooning groups across the country have been on edge. “Something here went horribly wrong,” said Jeff Chatterton, with the Balloon Federat…
In-Depth: Hot air balloon crash history in Texas
July 31, 2016
The most recent deadly Texas balloon crash before Saturday was in Mesquite, Texas in August 1992.
16 killed in hot air balloon crash near Lockhart
July 31, 2016
Federal investigators say multiple people were in the balloon when it caught fire in flight, crashing in a field just west of Lockhart aroun…