Summary
On January 31, 2009, a Cameron Balloons Us V-90 (N2097H) was involved in an accident near La Junta, CO. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury. The aircraft sustained minor damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain a safe rate of descent during landing. Contributing to the accident was the strong surface winds.
While landing a hot air balloon, the pilot encountered surface winds estimated at 22 mph and gusting to 28 mph. At 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot shut off the burner and prepared for the landing. The hot air balloon descended 400 to 450 feet per minute, impacted hard on downward sloping terrain, and was dragged approximately 360 feet by the wind before coming to rest. The pilot suffered two broken ankles. There were no reported pre-impact anomalies.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA159. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2097H.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain a safe rate of descent during landing. Contributing to the accident was the strong surface winds.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
While landing a hot air balloon, the pilot encountered surface winds estimated at 22 mph and gusting to 28 mph. At 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot shut off the burner and prepared for the landing. The hot air balloon descended 400 to 450 feet per minute, impacted hard on downward sloping terrain, and was dragged approximately 360 feet by the wind before coming to rest. The pilot suffered two broken ankles. There were no reported pre-impact anomalies.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA159