Hull and East Riding Coroner's Court heard how Audrey Jones of Hessle, Hull, died of chest and abdominal injuries following the accident on 20 July 1997.

A jury heard that several other passengers were injured, including one who was paralysed.

The pilot, David Farrar, of Seacroft, Leeds, also suffered serious burns and chest injuries.

Mrs Jones's flight was a birthday treat

The inquest heard that Mrs Jones's family had clubbed together to pay for the £100, one-hour flight, which was scheduled to cross the River Humber.

Her son Steven Jones, who was also in the craft, told the inquest: "I only saw the power lines 20 to 30 seconds before we hit them. We drifted over the lines, then slowly descended.

"The balloon was slowly crossing them, and I started to have concerns. I could hear the pilot flaring the balloon, but it was not going anywhere, and it carried on coming down regardless.

"Then there was a crack, the basket tipped up, and we fell out.

"I was falling head first, looking back between my feet, and I could see the balloon envelope flying up."

The balloon, owned by a firm called Heavens Above, was being flown by Mr Farrar, a qualified pilot, with a complement of 12 fare-paying passengers said coroner Geoffrey Saul.

He added that the balloon touched the wires, and as the envelope rose, a fuel pipe was ripped out, spilling liquid propane into the basket, which ignited.

The basket was then separated, and plunged to the ground.

The jury has yet to return its verdict.