N2809D

On July 12, 1993, at 1916 Pacific daylight time, a ground crewman sustained serious injuries during the takeoff of a Raven Industries S60A balloon, N2809D, near La Jolla, California. The balloon was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The balloon was not damaged. The certificated student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The injured ground crewman sustained multiple fractures of both legs. The flight was originating at the time of the accident as a local area student solo instructional flight.

The student pilot said he was initiating a takeoff for a local area solo flight. When the balloon was ready for liftoff, the student reportedly used the phrase "crew weight off" in a customary voice call during the takeoff maneuver. Three of the four ground crewman released their hold on the basket, while the fourth individual did not let go. The basket rose rapidly and the fourth ground crewman let go of the basket at an estimated height of 30 to 40 feet above ground level. The fourth crewman fell to the ground and sustained multiple bone fractures.