Summary
On October 10, 2012, a Lindstrand Balloons 90A (N6061R) was involved in an accident near Albuquerque, NM. The accident resulted in 1 serious injury, with 1 person uninjured out of 2 aboard.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The balloon pilot's encounter with higher-than-expected wind velocity, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.
Prior to the flight, the pilot participated in a weather briefing provided by the event organization. Due to high winds at low level, the balloon launch was postponed for about a hour, then approval to launch was granted by the event. At the conclusion of the flight, the pilot initiated an approach to a standard event landing field. During the approach, the wind was at a higher velocity than expected. The pilot briefed the passenger for a fast drag and hard landing. The balloon landed hard and dragged for about 150 feet. The passenger sustained a fractured arm. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failure with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
This accident is documented in NTSB report CEN13CA035. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N6061R.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The balloon pilot's encounter with higher-than-expected wind velocity, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
Prior to the flight, the pilot participated in a weather briefing provided by the event organization. Due to high winds at low level, the balloon launch was postponed for about a hour, then approval to launch was granted by the event. At the conclusion of the flight, the pilot initiated an approach to a standard event landing field. During the approach, the wind was at a higher velocity than expected. The pilot briefed the passenger for a fast drag and hard landing. The balloon landed hard and dragged for about 150 feet. The passenger sustained a fractured arm. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failure 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# CEN13CA035