Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
While landing in a field, the wind shifted and the hot air balloon impacted a tree. The balloon then ascended approximately 50-feet back into the air. The pilot cautioned his two passengers to hang-on and brace for a hard landing. The balloon descended rapidly and hit the ground hard. The basket rolled on its side and one of the passengers fell out. The passenger impacted the ground face first, breaking her nose and cheek bone. The balloon again lifted off the ground before settling back for its final landing. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact anomalies with the balloon.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA357