N15095

Unknown
Serious

FIREFLY 8B-15S/N: F8B-2027

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 19, 2014
NTSB Number
CEN14CA215
Location
Security, CO
Event ID
20140424X51802
Coordinates
38.751110, -104.711387
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

An unexpected increase in wind velocity which resulted in a hard landing and the subsequent passenger injury.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
FIREFLY
Serial Number
F8B-2027
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2002
Model / ICAO
8B-15
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
1
FAA Model
FIREFLY 8B-15

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
HOWES SKIP
Address
703 POINT OF THE PINES DR
City
COLORADO SPRINGS
State / Zip Code
CO 80919-8139
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported the wind was from the north-northwest at 6 knots when they departed and the balloon traveled to the southeast as expected. When they descended to land the wind velocity increased to 20 plus knots and the wind changed 90 degrees in direction moving them to the west. The pilot attempted to land twice and aborted both landings due to the wind and terrain conditions. The pilot briefed the passenger, who was very familiar with balloon operations, that they were going to make a high wind landing. The passenger stated he crouched down in the basket for the landing and as the triangular basket touched down and turned to its flat side, he felt his ankle roll. The basket lay down and once the balloon stopped they crawled out of the basket. The passenger stated he knew he injured his ankle and a couple days later he was diagnosed with a fractured tibia.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN14CA215