Residents near the intersection of Chirco and Drahner roads received a surprise from above when a hot air balloon landed on Brookfield Court around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 10.
According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s report, Deputy John Neph actually saw the balloon falling onto Brookfield Court and arrived shortly afterwards to find the basket on the ground.
The pilot, 39-year-old Oxford Township resident William Sterner, was not injured and stated that he was landing his balloon in the backyard of 1144 Brookfield Court. When asked by Deputy Neph why there, the man replied, “I can land my balloon anywhere I want.”
Witnesses at the scene told sheriff’s deputies that “when he attempted to land he hit the chimney (of 1144 Brookfield Court) and tore a hole in the side of the balloon.”
Deputy Neph advised Sterner that he had endangered the lives of civilians and emergency personnel, who were rushing to the scene at that moment, because of his decision. Neph also contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and verified that Sterner holds a valid pilot’s license.
No one was injured by the landing and no citations were issued. Deputy Neph faxed a copy of the sheriff’s report to the FAA for further investigation.