N1514G

Unknown
Serious

FIREFLY AX8BS/N: F8B2024

Summary

On April 02, 2010, a Firefly AX8B (N1514G) was involved in an accident near Durhamville, NY. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 2 people uninjured out of 3 aboard.

The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The passenger's failure to adequately brace herself for the landing.

The pilot of the balloon stated that at the conclusion of the 1-hour flight, he conducted a "typical" landing to a "level, grassy" golf course fairway. During the landing, one of the passengers "lost [her] footing" in the gondola, fell, and "slid" into the pilot. The pilot then fell onto the passenger, fracturing her ankle. The pilot did not mention if he gave the passengers a prelanding briefing prior to the landing.

This accident is documented in NTSB report ERA10CA211. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1514G.

Accident Details

Date
Friday, April 2, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA211
Location
Durhamville, NY
Event ID
20100406X02650
Coordinates
43.125000, -75.657218
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The passenger's failure to adequately brace herself for the landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
FIREFLY
Serial Number
F8B2024
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2002
Model / ICAO
AX8B
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
1
FAA Model
FIREFLY 8B-15

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
COMPTON PRESTON W
Address
1920 BOWATER DR APT D2
City
KINGSPORT
State / Zip Code
TN 37660-4149
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the balloon stated that at the conclusion of the 1-hour flight, he conducted a "typical" landing to a "level, grassy" golf course fairway. During the landing, one of the passengers "lost [her] footing" in the gondola, fell, and "slid" into the pilot. The pilot then fell onto the passenger, fracturing her ankle. The pilot did not mention if he gave the passengers a prelanding briefing prior to 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# ERA10CA211