N2053D

Unknown
Serious

Firefly Balloons 8B-15S/N: B82088-3-5

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 11, 2008
NTSB Number
CHI08CA281
Location
Springfield, IL
Event ID
20081003X41458
Coordinates
39.844165, -89.677780
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
3
Total Aboard
4

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the passenger to follow the pilot's instructions by not steadying herself during the landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N2053D
Make
FIREFLY BALLOONS
Serial Number
B82088-3-5
Year Built
2006
Model / ICAO
8B-15

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
DOWLING EDWARD J
Address
716 1700TH ST
Status
Deregistered
City
LINCOLN
State / Zip Code
IL 62656-5177
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported the ground winds were 1 to 2 miles per hour, and the winds between 500 and 1,500 feet above the ground varied from 5 to 8 miles per hour during the uneventful flight. He reported he chose a backyard in which to land, and at an altitude of seven to nine feet above the ground they threw a line out to the chase crew to slow them down. The pilot reported that before reaching the ground, two more chase crewmembers grabbed the gondola to slow them down even more and to soften the landing. Upon touching down, one passenger lost her balance and fell into a 91 year old passenger, knocking her to the bottom of the gondola. The 91 year old passenger suffered two broken legs and a broken ankle. The pilot reported that prior to the departure, all of the passengers were instructed to hold on tight, bend their knees, and stay inside the gondola during the landing.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI08CA281