Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's improper decision to launch the balloon in known high wind conditions, and his failure to fully vent the balloon upon landing, which resulted in the balloon landing hard several times, tipping over, being pushed along uneven ground, and a serious passenger injury.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
According to the pilot's accident report, he was making an approach to land in a furrowed farm field. About 10 feet above the ground, he pulled the vent chute. The balloon struck the ground travelling about 15 mph, tipped over, and was dragged by the wind across furrows for 60 feet. A gust of wind lifted the partially-filled balloon back into in the air to about 20 feet. He pulled the vent chute again and after travelling another 128 feet, the basket struck the ground hard. The wind dragged the balloon for another 30 feet, striking ditches on both sides of a road. It then travelled another 88 feet through grass. The balloon was not damaged; however, one passenger sustained serious injuries and a second passenger sustained minor injuries.
According to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, there were 18 balloons at the launch site, including an FAA Inspector. The inspector had unpacked his balloon but did not launch. No other pilots unpacked their balloons due to the of the high winds aloft. (The accident pilot) was the only one to take off.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN19CA128