A tragic hot air balloon accident in Zielona Góra, Poland, has claimed the life of Jagoda Gancarek, a highly regarded aviation instructor and pilot. The incident occurred on Monday, 9 March, when Gancarek was participating in a flight that ended in disaster as the balloon collided with a building on Krzywoustego Street.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Jagoda-Gancarek-031426-03-003d1ee40682444d9407845e74bb55ae.jpg)
Witnesses reported that Gancarek was ejected from the basket of the balloon during the crash. Authorities stated that despite efforts to resuscitate her, she succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The District Prosecutor’s Office indicated that her body was found on the roof of the building and has since been secured for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation into the accident.
Alongside Gancarek were two other women, who were also on board at the time of the crash. They were transported to hospital but were reported to have sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. The swift response of emergency services likely contributed to their recovery.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is being carried out by the District Prosecutor’s Office in Zielona Góra and the State Commission on Aircraft Accident Investigation. Early reports suggest that the hot air balloon may have belonged to the Lubusz Land Aeroclub, where Gancarek had built a notable career in aviation. She completed her pilot training at the club in 2022 and quickly established herself as an instructor, helping to guide future aviators in their training.
Lubusz Land Aeroclub released a heartfelt statement on social media following the incident, expressing profound sorrow over the loss of Gancarek. The club highlighted her extensive experience in aviation, her dedication to teaching, and her exceptional passion for flying. Gancarek had earned recognition for her skills, including winning the title of Polish Women’s Champion at the 11th Women’s Balloon Championship in 2025.
Her contributions went beyond just ballooning, as she also served as a firefighter pilot, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the aviation field. The club described her as someone who shared her passion for flight with others, making a significant impact on those she taught and worked alongside.
In their tribute, Lubusz Land Aeroclub conveyed their condolences to Gancarek’s family and friends, stating, “Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all the members of the Lubuska Land Aeroclub.” The club’s members are mourning the loss of a talented aviator and a beloved colleague who left a mark on the community.
A funeral service for Gancarek is scheduled for Saturday, 14 March, with arrangements being managed by the Polish funeral home Jasica Zakład Pogrzebowy.
While the investigation into the causes of the crash continues, the local aviation community has been left in deep shock following the loss of such a prominent figure. Commenting on the tragedy, individuals associated with the Lubusz Land Aeroclub have expressed their disbelief and sorrow, underscoring the impact that Gancarek had on all who had the privilege of learning from her.
The investigation findings will be crucial in understanding how this tragic event unfolded and ensuring that similar incidents can be prevented in the future. For now, the legacy of Jagoda Gancarek lives on through her contributions to the field of aviation and the thousands of lives she touched during her career.