Honored aviator from Santa Barbara dies in accident

A British balloonist who lived in Santa Barbara has died after injuries sustained in an accident Sunday in Northern San Diego County, according to a close friend of the Julian Nott family.

Nott had just completed a high altitude flight. After the landing in Warner Springs, Nott was reportedly securing the project and the cabin fell over 150 feet.

Nott’s partner of 30 years, Ann Luther, a public relations and business woman in the Santa Barbara area, was by his side when he died Tuesday at the Palomar Medical Center.

He had been airlifted from the accident scene.

Nott has spoken several times to the Channel City Club in Santa Barbara to sold out crowds. He also inspired children at Anacapa School when he visited to talk about his flights.

In his career he set 79 ballooning records and 96 British Records.

He has gone as high as 55,000 feet in a hot air balloon.

Nott has attended the Doctors Without Walls hot air balloon fundraising event at Santa Barbara’s Elings Park and was well known with the local astronomical society members.