Summary
On October 08, 2000, a Galaxy Balloons, Inc. GALAXY 7 (N52233) was involved in an accident near Inyokern, CA. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, 1 minor injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 3 aboard. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's hard landing during a high wind condition.
On October 8, 2000, about 0800 hours Pacific daylight time, a Galaxy Balloons, Inc., Galaxy 7, N52233, owned and operated by the pilot, made a hard landing about 5 miles southeast of Inyokern, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the aerial sightseeing flight. The balloon sustained minor damage, and the commercial certificated pilot was seriously injured. One of the fare-paying passengers received a minor injury, and one passenger was not injured. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Inyokern about 0715.
The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that on takeoff the wind was, as forecast, between 2 and 4 miles per hour (mph).
This accident is documented in NTSB report LAX01LA005. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N52233.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's hard landing during a high wind condition.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On October 8, 2000, about 0800 hours Pacific daylight time, a Galaxy Balloons, Inc., Galaxy 7, N52233, owned and operated by the pilot, made a hard landing about 5 miles southeast of Inyokern, California. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the aerial sightseeing flight. The balloon sustained minor damage, and the commercial certificated pilot was seriously injured. One of the fare-paying passengers received a minor injury, and one passenger was not injured. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Inyokern about 0715.
The pilot reported to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that on takeoff the wind was, as forecast, between 2 and 4 miles per hour (mph). During the flight the wind direction changed, and its speed increased. After about 20 minutes of flight, the pilot attempted to land but aborted the attempt in the prevailing 5 to 6 mph wind. The pilot reported that he then flew for another 15 minutes and landed in a 12 mph wind.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX01LA005