N65400

Unknown
Serious

CAMERON BALLOONS A-315S/N: 6596

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, November 13, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR12CA035
Location
Vacaville, CA
Event ID
20111114X31311
Coordinates
38.406387, -121.970558
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
14
Total Aboard
15

Probable Cause and Findings

The balloon’s encounter with increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CAMERON BALLOONS
Serial Number
6596
Engine Type
None
Model / ICAO
A-315
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
12
FAA Model
A-315

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 and his passengers were on a local area flight in a hot air balloon. Prior to departure, the pilot conducted a preflight orientation for the passengers which included proper positioning in the basket during landing. Upon departure the winds were from the south at 5 knots. During landing, the pilot noted that the winds had increased to 10 knots. The balloon's descent rate near the surface was 30 feet per minute. Upon contact with the ground, the balloon basket slid approximately 40 to 50 feet before impacting a 6 to 8-inch curb. The basket stopped abruptly and fell over. One of the passengers sustained a broken leg during the landing. The pilot's ground crew reported that the passenger was not against the downwind basket side at the time of ground contact. The pilot indicated that prior to departure, he will now require passengers to demonstrate their landing positioning so that he can ensure their understanding.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR12CA035