Summary
On April 14, 2014, a Linstrand 240A (N2646Z) was involved in an accident near Mayer, AZ. The accident resulted in 3 minor injuries, with 7 people uninjured out of 10 aboard. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident to be: The balloon's encounter with unexpected increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing on rough terrain.
The pilot stated that he checked the weather in the early morning, which prepared him for light wind conditions. After inflation of the balloon, he performed a safety briefing for the passengers and departed shortly thereafter. When the balloon was en route, the ground crew advised the pilot of the high wind conditions. The pilot stated that he was not able to operate in his usual area and therefore had to maneuver the balloon over inhospitable terrain in conditions that did not allow for an immediate landing. The pilot gave the passengers a landing briefing relaying the information that an unexpected increase in surface wind speed prohibited them from landing in the areas that were originally intended.
This accident is documented in NTSB report WPR14CA168. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2646Z.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The balloon's encounter with unexpected increased wind, which resulted in a hard landing on rough terrain.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The pilot stated that he checked the weather in the early morning, which prepared him for light wind conditions. After inflation of the balloon, he performed a safety briefing for the passengers and departed shortly thereafter. When the balloon was en route, the ground crew advised the pilot of the high wind conditions. The pilot stated that he was not able to operate in his usual area and therefore had to maneuver the balloon over inhospitable terrain in conditions that did not allow for an immediate landing. The pilot gave the passengers a landing briefing relaying the information that an unexpected increase in surface wind speed prohibited them from landing in the areas that were originally intended. The pilot felt he had limited options suitable for landing and with canyons approaching, he opted to touchdown in an area of rough, volcanic rock. During landing, the basket was strewn across the rough rocky terrain and sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated that there were no 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# WPR14CA168