Hot Air Balloon Pilots Accused of Stealing Apples Mid-flight

WHO:

WTNH - Woodstock Orchards, a family-owned farm in Woodstock, Connecticut, is involved in the incident.

Boston.com - A hot air balloon company is implicated in the controversy.

WHAT:

NY Post - Woodstock Orchards stated, "To have this happen once is upsetting. To have it happen twice makes it even more disappointing."

WTNH - A hot air balloon rider allegedly took apples from Woodstock Orchards while in flight.

WTNH - This incident is reported to be the second occurrence of a hot air balloon coming down into the orchard and someone reaching out to take apples.

WHERE:

WTNH - The incident took place at Woodstock Orchards in Woodstock, Connecticut.

WHY:

Boston.com - The hot air balloon company claims that the controversy is a “misunderstanding.”

HOW:

WTNH - The method involved a hot air balloon descending into the orchard, allowing a rider to reach out and take apples.

(UPDATED October 15, 2026 23:59 UTC)

Woodstock Orchards expressed their disappointment after experiencing a troubling incident for the second time, stating, "To have this happen once is upsetting. To have it happen twice makes it even more disappointing." This statement highlights the frustration felt by the orchard regarding the recurring issue they are facing.

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(UPDATED October 15, 2026 21:03 UTC)

A hot air balloon rider allegedly took apples from Woodstock Orchards, a family-owned farm in Woodstock, Connecticut, marking the second incident of this nature involving a balloon descending into the orchard. The hot air balloon company involved claims that the controversy is a “misunderstanding.” Witnesses report that the rider reached out to grab the apples while in flight, raising questions about the appropriateness of such actions.