Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadequate bracing of the passenger for landing which resulted in a fall.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On Friday, August 27, 1993, at 0733 eastern daylight time, a Cameron HAB-N90, N1192W, a free balloon, registered to James S. Suttle, and piloted by Penny L. Suttle, landed in a field in Niagara Falls, New York. The balloon was not damaged. The pilot and one passenger were not injured, but a second passenger received serious injures. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR 91.
The pilot was conducting a landing in an open field. In her report, the pilot stated:
All equipment was stowed and out of the way for landing. I advised the [passengers] to brace themselves using the inside handles, bend their knees slightly, face the direction of travel and watch the progress of the landing...the balloon touched down, slid up a small knoll, then touched down again after the knoll. The basket slid a short distance before coming to a final stop. I checked the [passengers] and [one] had a broken leg...The hot air balloon was not damaged.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC93LA174