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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

November 6, 1999 · Aerostar RXS-8 · N9105Z

Artesia, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 6, 1999
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Artesia, NM
Aircraft
Aerostar RXS-8
Tail Number
N9105Z
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DEN00LA015

Prior to landing, the pilot observed the winds to be between 10 and 12 knots, and she briefed her passengers on high wind landing procedures, specifically with regard to proper positioning for landing. Upon landing, the balloon's basket tipped and one of the passengers (weighing over 300 lbs.) lost his hold on the basket and fell on top of the second passenger (weighing 150 lbs.). The passenger who was fallen on received a broken ankle.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On November 6, 1999, approximately 0815 mountain standard time, an Aerostar RXS-8 balloon, N9105Z, registered to and operated by the pilot, was not damaged when it landed hard near Artesia, New Mexico. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured; however, one passenger received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed for the local personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at 0745. According to the pilot, she received a weather briefing at 0600 on the morning of the accident. The winds were reported to be between 5 to 8 knots and diminishing. Takeoff was normal, and they remained airborne for 30 minutes. While descending, she observed the winds to be between 10 and 12 knots. She stated that she briefed her passengers on high wind landing procedures. According to the Aerostar RXS-8 flight manual, the pilot is instructed to brief the passengers to: a. Put on protective helmets immediately; b. Face direction of travel; c. Hold on to basket aluminum superstructure; d. Bend knees slightly, muscles tense; e. Observe landing progression; and f. Remain in basket until instructed otherwise. Upon landing, the basket tipped and one of the passengers (weighing over 300 lbs.) lost his hold on the basket and fell on top of the second passenger (weighing 150 lbs.). The passenger that was fallen on suffered a broken ankle.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar RXS-8
Tail NumberN9105Z
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 45 · Unknown

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind360° @ 8 kt, gusting 12 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data