Understanding experience day accidents in the UK

By Katrina Elsey

Published May 23, 2025In: Personal Injury, Client Story

Experience days, whether it’s a helicopter ride, race car driving, or a hot air balloon flight, are popular in the UK as unique gifts and leisure activities. They offer the chance to make unforgettable memories. But when something goes wrong, those memories can quickly turn into distressing and life-altering experiences.

At Switalskis, our Personal Injury team has supported many individuals injured during experience days. We understand how devastating it can be when an exciting day out ends in injury, and we’re here to help.

Common types of experience day accidents

From air and water to land-based adventures, experience days come with varying levels of risk. When organisers fail to meet safety standards, the consequences can be serious.

1. Helicopter rides
These exhilarating experiences rely on strict maintenance schedules and experienced pilots. Mechanical failure, poor weather conditions, or pilot error can all lead to accidents with serious consequences.

2. Race car driving
Track days offer adrenaline and speed, but they must be managed with care. Injuries may occur due to faulty vehicles, inadequate seat restraints, or a lack of proper instruction.

3. Adventure sports
Activities like bungee jumping, skydiving, or paragliding require highly specialised equipment and training. Accidents can happen when gear fails or safety procedures are not properly followed.

4. Water sports
Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and scuba diving should only be carried out under expert supervision. Risks such as drowning, collisions, or equipment failures are real and require strict safety measures.

5. Rock climbing and abseiling
Climbing activities demand well-maintained equipment and trained supervisors. A single oversight can result in falls or severe injuries.

6. Hot air balloon flights
While usually tranquil, balloon rides are entirely dependent on favourable weather, equipment safety, and pilot judgment. Rough landings or equipment malfunctions can cause significant harm.

Client stories

Helicopter crash due to mechanical failure

In one case I handled, a scenic helicopter flight ended in disaster when the aircraft crashed due to poor maintenance. The passengers and pilot suffered severe injuries. Our investigations revealed that essential checks had been missed. We successfully secured substantial compensation for the victims, helping them access treatment and rebuild their lives.

Burn injury at a go-karting event

In another case, a client sustained burn injuries at a go-karting track during a friend’s birthday party. Heat from the engine transferred through the poorly padded seat, causing burns that left permanent scarring. The kart had not been properly inspected and the seat padding was worn. While not life-threatening, the injury had a lasting physical and emotional impact. This case highlights how easily fun can turn to harm when providers become complacent about safety.

What to do if you’ve been injured on an experience day

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury during an experience day, taking the right steps early on can help protect your legal rights:

1. Get medical help
Your health comes first. Seek immediate medical treatment and ensure all injuries are properly recorded by healthcare professionals.

2. Report the incident
Notify the experience provider and, if appropriate, the relevant authority. Ask for a copy of the incident report.

3. Preserve evidence
Take photos of the accident scene and your injuries. Collect contact details from witnesses and save any video footage if available.

4. Speak to a specialist solicitor
An experienced personal injury solicitor can assess your case and advise you on whether you can claim compensation. At Switalskis, we offer clear, compassionate advice tailored to your situation.