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NTSB Report
December 28, 1991 · Cameron V-77 · N9517P
Littleton, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 28, 1991
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Location
Littleton, CO
Aircraft
Cameron V-77
Tail Number
N9517P
Operator
David & Janet Woods
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN92LA021
THE BALLOON PILOT SAID THE WIND VELOCITY INCREASED AFTER HE HAD BEEN FLYING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND HE DECIDED TO MAKE A RAPID DESCENT TO LANDING. THE WINDS WERE STRONGER THAN HE ANTICIPATED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO LEVEL OFF. A HARD LANDING RESULTED AND THE BALLOON WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE GROUND, DESPITE HAVING PULLED THE ENVELOPE DUMP VALVE. THE PILOT RELEASED THE CONTROL IN ORDER TO ASSIST A PASSENGER WHO WAS STRIKING HER HEAD ON THE GROUND. AN FAA BALLOON INSPECTOR SAID THE PILOT USED THE INCORRECT HIGH WIND LANDING PROCEDURES.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER LANDING PROCEDURE, INCLUDING WRONG COMPENSATION FOR WIND CONDITIONS AND IMPROPER USE OF THE ENVELOPE DUMP CONTROL. A FACTOR WAS: HIGH WIND.
Full Narrative
THE BALLOON PILOT SAID THE WIND VELOCITY INCREASED AFTER HE HAD BEEN FLYING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND HE DECIDED TO MAKE A RAPID DESCENT TO LANDING. THE WINDS WERE STRONGER THAN HE ANTICIPATED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO LEVEL OFF. A HARD LANDING RESULTED AND THE BALLOON WAS DRAGGED ACROSS THE GROUND, DESPITE HAVING PULLED THE ENVELOPE DUMP VALVE. THE PILOT RELEASED THE CONTROL IN ORDER TO ASSIST A PASSENGER WHO WAS STRIKING HER HEAD ON THE GROUND. AN FAA BALLOON INSPECTOR SAID THE PILOT USED THE INCORRECT HIGH WIND LANDING PROCEDURES.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCameron V-77
Tail NumberN9517P
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDavid & Janet Woods
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total3
Crew 1Age 44 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 15 kt
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO