At dawn on 13 August 1989, five hot air balloons were operating tourist flights approximately 25 km south of Alice Springs. Two of the hot air balloons, VH-WMS and VH-NMS, collided as VH-WMS descended and VH-NMS ascended. The envelope of the ascending VH-NMS struck the basket of the other hot air balloon, and a hole was torn in the fabric panels and seams. This caused VH-NMS to descend as hot air escaped and the envelope deflated rapidly. The basket then plummeted to the ground, killing its driver and the 12 passengers on board