Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER PLANNING FOR THE HIGH WIND LANDING. FACTORS WERE THE UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND THE TREE STUMP.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On July 4, 1995, at 0745 mountain daylight time, a Thunder AX7-77, N5402V, was undamaged while landing near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The commercial pilot was seriously injured and the two passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local balloon flight.
During interviews, conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot and the ground crew stated that the pilot was making a "high wind landing." The basket impacted a tree stump and tipped the basket over, dumping the pilot out of the basket. The balloon became airborne again with its two passengers and struck the roof of a residence. The ground crew instructed the passengers, by radio, to pull the crown rope and release the hot air. The balloon subsequently landed safely.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# FTW95LA267