N4062M

Unknown
Serious

CAMERON BALLOONS US A-250S/N: 6508

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR10CA058
Location
Napa, CA
Event ID
20091120X15754
Coordinates
38.368057, -122.288330
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
12
Total Aboard
13

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's encounter with variable winds which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CAMERON BALLOONS US
Serial Number
6508
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2007
Model / ICAO
A-250
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
12
FAA Model
A-250

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
NAPA VALLEY BALLOONS INC
Address
4086 BYWAY E
City
NAPA
State / Zip Code
CA 94558-2289
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the balloon reported that after three unsuccessful landing attempts during the sightseeing flight, he located a grassy 2-3 acre field and positioned the balloon for landing. He stated that the approach was from the northwest at 500-feet and the balloon was traveling about 6 knots. The pilot anticipated winds near the surface to be from the east, however, after descending to 250-feet the balloon continued in a southerly direction, near trees. The pilot executed a controlled descent over a tree and landed firmly. The basket bounced once and came to rest upright with the balloon's envelope against a tree. After the landing, one of the passengers complained of ankle pain and was transported to a hospital. A medical evaluation revealed that the passenger's ankle was fractured. The pilot reported that a passenger landing briefing was completed prior to 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# WPR10CA058