Another Hot Air Ballon Plunges to Earth, Passengers Perish

AOL News- A scoutmaster who received a hot air balloon ride as a special New Year's treat from his teenage son was killed when the craft plunged to the ground and burst into flames, British media reported. Allan Burnett, 55, of Bristol, was killed along with experienced balloonist Lee Pibworth in the crash Saturday morning in Somerset, southwestern England. Horrified spectators watched helplessly as the balloon began to drop like a rock from an altitude of 20,000 feet, the newspapers said. The balloon basket exploded in flames as it hit the ground at a lawn bowling club in the village of Midsomer Norton. No one on the ground was hurt. 

People always act shocked or make fun of me when they find out I'm terrified of hot air balloons, well this is why.  Sure I've skydived twice, but guess what you have when you skydive? A parachute, just like these guys should have had.  

I for the life of me cannot understand why people continue to jump into these flaming death traps for leisure.  At best you're floating 20,000 feet in a wicker basket, a liquid gas canister and fire breathing jet a few feet above your head, blowing fire and hot air directly at the fabric blanket you're using to stay afloat. All piloted by the kind of fruit cake who decided it would be a good career move to dedicate themselves to flying around in balloons.  Meanwhile there are no seat belts, no parachutes, just a waste high rail that any over eager sight seer could easily topple over.

And at worst you plummet in a free fall to your fiery death...Umm, think I'll pass.