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The pilot of a hot air balloon in Vermont died after he was tangled in the gear underneath the basket and fell to his death, according to state authorities.
On Thursday afternoon, four passengers boarded the hot air balloon alongside the pilot, identified as Brian Boland, 72, of Post Mills, Vermont. After taking off, Vermont State Police said the balloon descended and touched down in a nearby field.
When the balloon hit the ground, one passenger fell out but was unharmed. However at the same time, authorities said Boland "became entangled in gear affixed to the balloon as it re-ascended and ended up entrapped underneath the basket."