Watch CBS News

Hot Air Balloon Pilot Grounded For Dipping Into Lake With Harmful Algae

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- A Colorado Springs balloon festival has grounded a pilot for briefly touching down in a lake that was off-limits because of a harmful algae. The Gazette reports the pilot dipped his balloon's basket into Prospect Lake on Sunday before quickly lifting off again, a maneuver called a "splash and dash."

All the pilots in the festival were told not to touch down in the lake because of the presence of blue-green algae, which can be fatal to dogs and make humans sick. The city has banned anyone from wading, swimming, boating and paddle boarding in the lake.

hot air balloon
FILE PHOTO (credit: iStock/Getty Images)

Scott Appelman, director of the Labor Day Liftoff festival, says he disqualified the pilot from flying in the event on Monday.

Appelman said he witnessed the incident. He declined to identify the pilot.

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.