N7172D

On April 19, 2003, at 0740 central daylight time, an Aerostar RX-8 hot-air balloon, N7172D, owned and operated by a private individual doing business as American Escapes Aerosports was undamaged during landing near Bossier City, Louisiana. The commercial pilot and two of the three passengers were not injured, and one passenger sustained a serious injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight which originated from Frierson, Louisiana, at 0705 and was destined for Shreveport, Louisiana.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that approximately 5 miles southwest of Barksdale Air Force Base, he attempted to contact the tower on 128.25. After trying for four times with no response, he elected to land and avoid any problems with the base. After finding a suitable landing area, during an approach for landing he instructed the passengers to face the direction of flight, hold on tight, and do not get out of the balloon until he told them to. He set the balloon into some 12-14 foot trees to ease the impact of landing and to slow the balloon down. Just prior to contacting the ground, he shook the basket to make sure the passenger's knees were bent for impact. The pilot further reported as he was making the landing, he informed everyone what to expect again and that the basket would tip over and rebound before coming to a complete stop. When the balloon landed, the pilot's handheld radio fell to the floor of the basket and one of the passengers reached down to pick it up. As the balloon "rebounded or skidded" along the ground for approximately 6 feet, the passenger hit her face on the propane tank injuring her back and neck.

The pilot stated that he assisted the passenger by holding her so she didn't move as he deflated the balloon. The pilot then radioed the balloon chase crew and informed them to call 911. He then provided assistance to the passenger until the EMS unit arrived. The pilot further reported that the passenger underwent neck surgery the following day.