Texas balloon pilot had 4 convictions for drunken driving

LOCKHART, Texas — The pilot of a hot-air balloon that crashed in Texas, killing all 16 people aboard, was convicted of drunken driving at least four times in Missouri and twice spent time in prison, court records show.

[...] in Missouri, the Better Business Bureau warned consumers about doing business with a balloon touring company Nichols used to operate in that state.

Authorities say the balloon, which was operated by Heart of Texas Hot Air Balloon Rides, hit high-tension power lines before crashing into a pasture Saturday near Lockhart, about 60 miles northeast of San Antonio.

Federal Aviation Administration records indicate that the Texas company was involved in an accident with the same balloon two years ago.

On Aug. 3, 2014, the balloon made a hard landing in Kyle, Texas, when the pilot touched down abruptly to avoid striking a ground-crew vehicle.