N54693

On November 6, 1994, approximately 1330 mountain standard time, N54693, a Raven S100A, was substantially damaged during a hard landing near Las Vegas, New Mexico. The commercial pilot and two passengers received minor injuries. Two passengers, one of whom was a ballon rated pilot, sustained serious injuries and one passenger was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed.

The following is based on the pilot's report. After flying for 6 hours with sufficient fuel to remain aloft for another hour, the decision was made to land where the terrain was still relatively open. The on-board Global Positioning System (GPS) indicated the balloon was flying 32 MPH ground speed. As the pilot made his approach for landing he stated that he encountered "significant wind shear" so he vented the envelope 50 feet above the ground. The balloon touched down and was dragged across the ground for 120 yards. He reported that the thermal activity caused the balloon to take off again and ascend to approximately 100 feet above the ground. Because most of the hot air had been vented, it descended back to the ground at an estimated 800 to 900 feet per minute. The balloon landed hard, and was dragged across the ground for an additional 225 yards.

The pilot said the wind had been forecast to remain relatively calm throughout the day. When he departed Albuquerque, the wind was light and variable. At the time of the accident, the pilot estimated the wind to be from 250 degrees at 28 knots with gusts to 33 knots. The accident site was about 23 miles east of Las Vegas, New Mexico, or about 107 miles northeast of the launch site.

A review of the route of flight revealed that the pilot had numerous opportunities to land as the wind velocity increased.