N7142S

Unknown
Serious

Aerostar International RX 8S/N: RX8 - 3238

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 22, 2006
NTSB Number
DEN06CA069
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Event ID
20060510X00538
Coordinates
35.204166, -106.577774
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's inability to maintain a proper descent rate due to the high winds, resulting in a hard landing. A contributing factor was the high wind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL
Serial Number
RX8 - 3238
Engine Type
None
Year Built
1995
Model / ICAO
RX 8AB18
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
1
FAA Model
RX 8

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
GARCIA MICHAEL A
Address
7501 COULSON DR NE
City
ALBUQUERQUE
State / Zip Code
NM 87109-5458
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot and passengers, the flight was uneventful. The pilot stated that he elected to perform a "high wind landing." The basket tipped over during the landing and the passenger stated that she lost her balance, resulting in serious injury to her ankle. There was no damage to the balloon and no further injuries reported by the pilot or the other passenger. The pilot reported the winds as 010 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot reported no anomalies with the balloon's systems.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN06CA069