N6061R

Unknown
Serious

LINDSTRAND BALLOONS 90AS/N: 5124

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
NTSB Number
CEN13CA035
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Event ID
20121031X91411
Coordinates
35.199722, -106.587219
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

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

Registration
N6061R
Make
LINDSTRAND BALLOONS
Serial Number
5124
Model / ICAO
90A

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
KUNZ BENJAMIN SILAS AUSTIN
Address
9300 VERA CRUZ
Status
Deregistered
City
AUSTIN
State / Zip Code
TX 78737-1200
Country
United States

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