Polish pilot who survived fiery North Texas crash dies in balloon crash months later

Krzysztof Zapart, one of two Polish pilots injured in a fiery balloon crash in Kaufman County last fall, died earlier this month following another crash in Eastern Europe.

Zapart and Peter Halas were competing in the Gordon Bennett Gas Balloon Race in October 2023 when their racing balloon crashed into a power line and caught fire near Crandall.

A good Samaritan, Israel Alfaro, was nearby when the balloon came down in Texas and helped with their rescue. The three men formed a bond during their recovery in Dallas. To hear that Zapart died in yet another balloon crash made Alfaro reflect on their last encounter just a few months ago.

“The last time we all saw each other, it was a great, happy moment. We were all ecstatic about all the positive things that were going on. They were able to go home,” Alfaro said.

Before leaving Texas for home, Zapart gave Alfaro a Polish team jacket. Alfaro hoped he had more time with his new friends and planned to keep in touch for years to come.

Zapart and two others died after crashing a gas balloon in Eastern Europe. Alfaro said details of the crash were eerily similar to what Zapart survived in North Texas last fall.

“I couldn’t wrap my head around what had happened,” he said. “And to know that he passed away in a balloon accident.”

Since learning of Zapart's death, Alfaro said he’s spoken to his friend's son and daughter who shared photos and video of the memorial service in Europe, which included a balloon salute for the man who died doing what he loved.

Alfar said Zapart had plans to attempt a world record and that he looked forward to cheering him on until he got the tragic news.

“We were constantly communicating with each other via Facebook Messenger and whatnot. And we were excited and happy to start this new friendship,” said Alfaro.

Piotr Halas is in Poland, still recovering from injuries sustained here in North Texas. We’re told he’s taking the news of his friend Zapart very hard.