N63286

On June 9, 1996, at 0745 central daylight time, an Aerostar S-60A, N63286, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91, sustained minor damage when it collided with a tree during an approach near San Angelo, Texas. The private pilot was seriously injured and the three passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local pleasure flight and a flight plan was not filed.

According to the pilot, during the final approach to land in a field, the basket of the hot air balloon struck the top of a mesquite tree. The pilot reported that her foot "was braced against the side of the basket" at the point of contact with the tree, and the impact broke her ankle. After the balloon touched down, the three passengers exited the basket to attempt to untangle the basket from the mesquite tree. At the same time, the pilot applied the burner in an attempt to maneuver the balloon away from the tree. The combination of the added power and reduction of weight resulted in the balloon to becoming airborne again. The pilot then landed the balloon a few miles away.