N31226

On March 27, 1998, about 1750 eastern standard time, N31226, a Balloon Works, Firefly-8B-15, was substantially damaged during a landing in Elk Garden, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot received minor injuries and the passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, which departed from Abingdon, Virginia, about 1600. No flight plan had been filed for the flight which was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, the pilot reported that he obtained a weather briefing from the Leesburg Automated Flight Service Station (AFSS). After takeoff, he encountered gusty wind conditions and attempted a landing in a field. Although he vented the envelope upon touchdown, the wind continued against the envelope and the basket tipped. While holding the vent line, the basket was dragged on its side, and the pilot was struck in the head by a rock and lost his grip on the vent line. The vent closed, and the pilot had to grab the vent line again, and the basket came to rest.

According to an inspector from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the basket touched the ground in an upright position; however, the pilot was unable to deflate the envelope prior to being dragged across the field for 438 feet. The balloon and basket came to rest in trees and a barb wire fence.

The tape of the weather briefing was not available; however, the area forecast and weather forecasts for Bristol, Tennessee, and Bluefield, West Virginia, were reviewed. According to forecasts, moderate turbulence was expected below 9,000 feet due to a southwesterly low level flow across the area. The conditions were expected to continue beyond 2300.

Bluefield, West Virginia, was located 43 nautical miles from the accident site on a heading of 060 degrees. The terminal forecast for Bluefield called for winds from 250 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 18 knots.

Bristol, Tennessee, was located 34 nautical miles from the accident site on a head of 220 degrees. The terminal forecast for Bristol called for winds from 200 degrees at 10 knots, with gusts to 18 knots.