Summary
On August 29, 1998, a Balloon Works FIREFLY 7 (N9067F) was involved in an accident near Freehold, NJ. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 3 people uninjured out of 4 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The passenger's failure to secure himself during landing.
On August 29, 1998, at 1900 eastern daylight time, N9067F, a Balloon Works, Firefly 7, landed in a field near Freehold, New Jersey, and a passenger sustained serious injuries during the landing. The balloon was not damaged. The certificated commercial pilot and two other passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight that originated in the Monroe Township, New Jersey. The commercial sightseeing flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, he had set up to land in a large field, but the wind shifted and he decided to land in a smaller field. During the landing, one of the passengers lost his balance and fell onto another passenger who incurred an ankle injury.
This accident is documented in NTSB report IAD98LA105. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N9067F.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The passenger's failure to secure himself during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On August 29, 1998, at 1900 eastern daylight time, N9067F, a Balloon Works, Firefly 7, landed in a field near Freehold, New Jersey, and a passenger sustained serious injuries during the landing. The balloon was not damaged. The certificated commercial pilot and two other passengers were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the local flight that originated in the Monroe Township, New Jersey. The commercial sightseeing flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to the pilot, he had set up to land in a large field, but the wind shifted and he decided to land in a smaller field. During the landing, one of the passengers lost his balance and fell onto another passenger who incurred an ankle injury. The pilot reported that he had briefed the passengers prior to touchdown.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# IAD98LA105