N20671

Unknown
Serious

HEAD AX8 88BS/N: 386

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, October 25, 2014
NTSB Number
ERA15CA035
Location
Montevallo, AL
Event ID
20141030X04759
Coordinates
33.084999, -86.839164
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
3

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's decision to conduct a landing to a confined area in high wind conditions, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent injury to a passenger.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
HEAD
Serial Number
386
Engine Type
None
Year Built
2009
Model / ICAO
AX8 88B
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
4
FAA Model
AX8-88

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
DAVIS WILLIAM A JR
Address
200 SPRINGTIME LN
City
HELENA
State / Zip Code
AL 35080-2302
Country
United States

Analysis

At the conclusion of a sightseeing flight, the pilot was descending the balloon for landing in a field he had partially observed through trees. He reported that the wind speed was between 10-15 knots. As he vented the envelope and the field came into full view, he noted that there was "not much room to land;" estimating the field to be about 60-70 yards in length. The basket touched down hard and was dragged along the ground before coming to rest. The pilot and one passenger were not injured; the second passenger fell during the landing and sustained fractures to both arms. The balloon was not damaged. The pilot stated that the preflight passenger briefing included the proper brace position for landing. The pilot also reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies of 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# ERA15CA035