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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 10, 1995 · Aerostar RX 8 · N9153X

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 10, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Aerostar RX 8
Tail Number
N9153X
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
FTW96LA013

The pilot reported a wind velocity of 0 to 5 knots from the north/northeast. After aborting several approaches, the pilot selected a landing area and briefed the passengers of a possible bounce. The pilot 'intentionally did not flare' the balloon. The balloon 'bounced once, but then stayed grounded.' One passenger experienced shoulder pain, and medical x-rays indicated a fracture.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision. The variable wind condition was a related factor.

Full Narrative

On October 10, 1995, at 0913 mountain daylight time, a passenger received serious injury during the landing of an Aerostar RX 8, N9153X, near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The private pilot and the other passenger did not receive injuries and the balloon was not damaged. The balloon was being operated as a personal flight under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated from the Balloon Fiesta launch site in Albuquerque, New Mexico, earlier that day. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. During an interview, conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, the pilot reported that one of the passengers experienced shoulder pain following the balloon landing. Medical x-rays indicated a fracture. On the Pilot/Operator Report, the pilot reported a wind velocity from zero to 5 knots from the north/northeast. On the enclosed statement the pilot reported aborting several approaches due to a the "size" of the landing area, "ground winds, and/or power lines." Passengers were briefed on the landing and were "warned" that "we could bounce." The pilot "intentionally did not flare" the balloon. The balloon "bounced once, but then stayed grounded."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:13 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar RX 8
Tail NumberN9153X
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 37 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind315° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data