VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The people who represent the balloon company involved in a fatal crash three years ago continue to insist that no negligence was involved after the province launched a lawsuit arguing a number of problems led to the accident.
The province is suing balloon's pilot, operator and manufacturer to recoup past and future health care costs incurred by four people injured when a fire broke out in the basket of the balloon just prior to takeoff.
The pilot insists his vessel was well-maintained. He insists the cause was equipment failure.
John Kageorge speaks on behalf of pilot Stephen Pennock. "Three years ago the lives of my passengers as well as some people at Hazelmere RV Park changed forever. Transport Canada has verified that the aircraft has been properly maintained and inspected. However, not a day goes by that I don't feel extreme sadness for the horrific accident."
Kageorge says none of the investigations found fault with the company. "You know the facts on this particular case is that a piece of equipment failed, a rather new piece of equipment sent by the manufacturer... And why it would fail remains a mystery and was never uncovered through the investigations that occurred."
Kageorge says Pennock is very disturbed by the fact balloon manufacturers are ignoring recommendations to install fire suppression and emergency fuel shut-off equipment.