Hot air balloons flying over Chapman Heights homes, no damage to residences 
DATE/TIME: February 6, 2018
INCIDENT: Hot Air Balloon Incident
LOCATION: Chapman Heights residential neighborhood; City of Yucaipa
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at approximately 7:53 am, Sheriff’s dispatch began receiving numerous 911 calls regarding two hot air balloons who possibly crashed into residences in the 34700 block of Maplewood Lane in the Chapman Heights neighborhood.
Deputies immediately responded to the area, and observed a green and a blue hot air balloon flying above the golf course and nearby residences, at times coming within 5 feet of rooftops and hitting trees.
Deputies were able to make contact with both pilots, and requested them to land immediately. One balloon was able to safely land in the high school baseball field. The second balloon was able to land safely in the oranges groves of a private residence in Mentone.
Both pilots were found to be hot air balloon enthusiasts, and were flying their privately owned balloons for personal use. Deputies identified both pilots, and will be forwarding a report to the Federal Aviation Administration for further review of any possible FAA violations.
At this time, Deputies’ were unable to locate any damaged residences. No persons were injured as a result of this incident.
Anyone with additional information about this incident, is urged to contact Detective Donald Patton at the Yucaipa Police & Sheriff’s Station.
Refer: Detective Donald Patton
Station: Yucaipa Station
Phone No: (909) 918-2305
JOHN MCMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Address/Location
SBSD - Yucaipa Police Department
34144 Yucaipa Blvd
Yucaipa, CA 92399
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
