Summary
On July 27, 2011, a Kubicek BB85 (N1545T) was involved in an accident near Hartsel, CO. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 10 people uninjured out of 11 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The pilot's encounter with high wind which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.
Following a sightseeing flight, the pilot was attempting to land a hot air balloon. After the initial touchdown, the wind velocity increased resulting in the balloon becoming airborne again. The balloon traveled about 30 feet before experiencing a hard landing. Of the ten passengers on board, one sustained a broken leg. There was no damage to the balloon. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN11CA517. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N1545T.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's encounter with high wind which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
Following a sightseeing flight, the pilot was attempting to land a hot air balloon. After the initial touchdown, the wind velocity increased resulting in the balloon becoming airborne again. The balloon traveled about 30 feet before experiencing a hard landing. Of the ten passengers on board, one sustained a broken leg. There was no damage to the balloon. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN11CA517