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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

November 26, 1995 · Aerostar RX8 · N6360U

Rio Rancho, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 26, 1995
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Rio Rancho, NM
Aircraft
Aerostar RX8
Tail Number
N6360U
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
FTW96LA055

The pilot reported that the wind speed was 10 to 12 mph and he 'briefed the passengers on a high-wind landing procedure' of the balloon. To facilitate a landing, he 'ripped-out' the deflation port after clearing an arroyo and some bushes. Also, he reported that 'On impact one of the passengers...let go and did a backward somersault out of the basket. When the passenger righted herself, the basket struck her, breaking her right collar-bone.'

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper planning/decision. A factor relating to the accident was: the high wind condition.

Full Narrative

On November 26, 1995, at 0800 mountain standard time, an Aerostar International, RX8, N6360U, registered to and operated by a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91 was not damaged following a high wind landing near Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight. The commercial pilot and two of his passengers were not injured, while a third passenger sustained serious injuries. The flight originated from Rio Rancho, New Mexico, approximately 30 minutes before the accident. The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Report, that the wind speed was 10-12 mph and he "briefed the passengers on a high-wind landing procedure" of the balloon. The pilot "ripped-out" the deflation port after clearing the arroyo and some bushes to facilitate the landing. He further reported that "On impact one of the passengers...let go and did a backward somersault out of the basket. When the passenger righted herself, the basket struck her breaking her right collar-bone."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar RX8
Tail NumberN6360U
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 45 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 5 kt
Visibility60 sm
CeilingOvercast 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 21 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time14:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data