Balloon pilot dies during landing in SE Pa.

    Officials say a hot air balloon pilot died during the course of making a landing in southeastern Pennsylvania over the weekend.

    The (Pottstown) Mercury reported that balloon operated by the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team of Warwick was landing at a field in Chester County’s East Pikeland Township.

    Police chief James Franciscus said his officers were told that the pilot was reaching to grab the rope when he apparently fell from the basket, got between the basket and the ground and was dragged across the ground.

    Stan Hess of the U.S. Hot Air Balloon Team said an autopsy on the pilot was scheduled Monday. His name was not released. Hess said the passengers in the basket were uninjured.

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    State and local police are investigating.

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