Alfred ‘Skip’ Nichols, the man in control of the balloon that crashed in Lockhart, south of Austin, Texas on Saturday, had spent time in jail due to drink driving and other motoring offences, it has emerged today.
The balloon he was the pilot of came into contact with high-tension power lines, burst into flames, and crashed down, killing all 16 people on board, including Mr. Nichols.
It transpired today that he had multiple convictions for diverse offences, and a history of alcohol abuse. He was sentenced to seven years in jail back in 2010, but got out on parole less than a year and a half later.
It is understood that Mr. Nichols owned and operated a balloon touring company which had been the subject of several customer complaints in the past.