N6339G

On August 19, 2005, about 0840 central daylight time, an Aerostar International RX-8 double-burner hot air balloon, N6339G was not damaged during a hard landing near Denton, Texas. The commercial pilot and one passenger were not injured; however, the remaining passenger sustained a serious injury. The balloon was registered to and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight originated from Highland Village Park near Highland Village, Texas, at approximately 0720.

According to the 700-hour pilot, of which about 400-hours was in balloons, he was assigned two passengers for a non-revenue media flight in support of the Highland Village Balloon Festival. The pilot cautioned the passengers that the winds at landing could be eight to ten miles per hour (mph), and the landing could be "bumpy." With a "non-static landing" possible, the pilot briefed both passengers on the proper position for them to assume during the landing.

After about an hour of flight, the pilot set up an "approach of 100 [feet per minute] (fpm) descent to a field at about ten mph." About 35 to 40 above ground level (agl) the pilot "hit" both burners to help "flare", and ten feet agl he "deployed the deflation port and reminded the passengers to flex their knees, hold on and stay in the basket." The pilot reported, "the impact was moderate with no rebound." The passenger immediately stated, "I think I broke my ankle." After touchdown the balloon dragged about 125 feet before coming to a rest.

The non-injured commercial rated passenger reported that both passengers were advised that, because the winds were higher then "normal" the flight would be at the pilot's discretion. They were also informed, that the landing might me rough. Both passengers elected to fly and before landing the pilot warned them to bend their knees in order to cushioned the landing impact. The passenger reported the landing was, "firm but not bouncy."

The pilot reported winds from the south-southwest at 9 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 84 degrees Fahrenheit and a barometric pressure setting of 30.01 inches of Mercury.