CircumFlightN681SJ accident
NTSB GAA15CA039 · 2015-02-15 · Bernalillo, NM
Docket — crew, injuries and powerplant
Summary
The pilot determined that the wind was faster than anticipated at the landing location. He maneuvered the balloon for a landing in an open field, the gondola landed hard, and fell onto its side. One passenger sustained a broken leg and the balloon sustained no damage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon prior to the flight that would have precluded normal operation of the balloon.
Full narrative
The pilot determined that the wind was faster than anticipated at the landing location. He maneuvered the balloon for a landing in an open field, the gondola landed hard, and fell onto its side. One passenger sustained a broken leg and the balloon sustained no damage.
The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon prior to the flight that would have precluded normal operation of the balloon.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain the descent rate, resulting in abnormal runway/ground contact. The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this accident.
Circumstances
- Event type
- Accident
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Weather conditions
- Visual Meteorological Cond
- Light condition
- Day
- Sky condition
- BKN
- Ceiling (ft)
- 25000
- Visibility (sm)
- 10
- Wind direction
- 140
- Wind speed (kt)
- 7
- Temperature (F)
- 45
- Distance from field
- 0.0
Aircraft
| Registration | Make | Model | Damage | FAR part |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N681SJ | — | — | — | 091 |
Sequence of events
| # | Occurrence | Phase |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Landing Other weather encounter | Cruise |
| 2 | Landing Abnormal runway contact defining | Cruise |