N787TC

Unknown
Serious

THUNDER & COLT AX8 105S2S/N: 2516USA

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, August 2, 2015
NTSB Number
CEN15CA340
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Event ID
20150806X33313
Coordinates
35.201110, -106.677223
Aircraft Damage
Unknown
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not properly brace herself during the landing, which resulted in a broken ankle and leg.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
THUNDER & COLT
Serial Number
2516USA
Engine Type
None
Model / ICAO
AX8 105S2
Aircraft Type
Balloon
No. of Engines
0
Seats
4
FAA Model
AX8 105S2

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SOFFERA JANET M
Address
1988 MESA GRANDE LOOP NE
City
RIO RANCHO
State / Zip Code
NM 87144-0571
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot stated that the balloon flight was normal with light and variable wind conditions. The pilot stated she informed the passenger that the basket may "hop" a couple of times during the landing and told him to brace himself. When the balloon basket touched the ground, the pilot's foot became wedged between the sidewall of the basket and one of the fuel tanks. The pilot lost her balance, her body shifted, and she felt her ankle fracture. She told the passenger to continue pulling the deflation line. The envelope deflated quickly and the basket laid down onto its side. There was no damage to the envelope or basket. The pilot suffered a broken ankle and leg.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN15CA340