Hot Air Balloon Lands Safely in Temecula Backyard

A hot air balloon carrying 13 people made an emergency landing in a residential backyard in Temecula, California, on Saturday morning, safely touching down on a narrow patch of grass without injuring anyone or damaging property.

The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. when the balloon, operated by Magical Adventure Balloon Rides, encountered unexpected calm winds at higher altitudes, leaving it unable to move toward its intended landing site in the area's wine country vineyards. With fuel running low, the pilot decided to descend into the backyard of Hunter and Jenna Perrin's home, a space only about 10 feet wide bordered by a fence, house, and trees. Homeowner Hunter Perrin, who was watching television inside at the time, learned of the landing from a neighbor at his door. "I open the sliding glass door, and there's a basket full of 13 people in my backyard," Perrin told local media. His wife, Jenna, described the scene as "unbelievable, like something out of a Disney fairy tale," noting how the balloon "was kissing the fence" but avoided contact with the house or trees.

Passengers, including a couple celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, remained calm throughout the...