Summary
On June 03, 2003, a Aerostar S-77A (N52461) was involved in an accident near Cottage Grove, MN. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 8 people uninjured out of 9 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The inadequate touchdown by the pilot.
On June 2, 2003, at 2007 central daylight time, an Aerostar S-77A, N52461, operated by Wiederkehr Balloon International, Inc., experienced a hard landing after a steep approach to a field near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and seven passengers reported no injuries, and one passenger reported serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 balloon ride flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed about 1900.
The pilot reported that he attempted to land in a hay field. A line was dropped to the chase crew, who were unsuccessful in slowing the balloon down. The crew released the line allowing the balloon to climb over obstacles.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CHI03LA147. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N52461.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The inadequate touchdown by the pilot.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 2, 2003, at 2007 central daylight time, an Aerostar S-77A, N52461, operated by Wiederkehr Balloon International, Inc., experienced a hard landing after a steep approach to a field near Cottage Grove, Minnesota. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot and seven passengers reported no injuries, and one passenger reported serious injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 balloon ride flight was not operating on a flight plan. The local flight departed about 1900.
The pilot reported that he attempted to land in a hay field. A line was dropped to the chase crew, who were unsuccessful in slowing the balloon down. The crew released the line allowing the balloon to climb over obstacles. The pilot stated he deployed the parachute top vent to descend onto a baseball field. He deployed the aero chute vent to flare the balloon before touching down. The balloon bounced "three or four times" before coming to a stop in the upright position.
A passenger sustained a broken rib.
The ride balloon was undamaged.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI03LA147