N7154E

Substantial
Serious

AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC S-60AS/N: S60A-3210

Accident Details

Date
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA435
Location
Park City, UT
Event ID
20110906X61710
Coordinates
40.669723, -111.404724
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon during the landing on uneven ground.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N7154E
Make
AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL INC
Serial Number
S60A-3210
Engine Type
None
Model / ICAO
S-60AL60
No. of Engines
0

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
AEROSTAR INDUSTRIES LLC
Address
1320 N RIVER RD
Status
Deregistered
City
GOLD HILL
State / Zip Code
OR 97525-6788
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that after an uneventful sight-seeing balloon flight with two passengers, she initiated a landing when it was noted that the wind had changed direction and picked up speed to about 5 knots. A suitable place to land was identified, and after clearing power lines, a steep approach to land was made. The balloon touched down on uneven ground and the basket tipped. The pilot was venting at the time and when the basket touched down, the vent line pulled her partially out of the basket. The basket drug across the ground a few feet before becoming airborne again as the pilot continued to hang onto the vent line. The two passengers then jumped out of the basket and the vent line was ripped out of the pilot’s hands. The balloon continued flight and landed approximately ½ mile from the intended landing location. During the accident sequence the balloon was torn and the skirt was burnt.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA435