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NTSB Report
January 18, 1988 · Adams A-60 · N9811N
Austin, TX
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 18, 1988
Injury Outcomes
3 injuries (3 serious injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Austin, TX
Aircraft
Adams A-60
Tail Number
N9811N
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
FTW88LA167
THE COMMERCIAL BALLOON PILOT RELINQUISHED CONTROL OF THE CROWN LINE TO ONE OF THE FOUR PASSENGERS DURING A HIGH WIND LANDING TO A PASTURE. THE PILOT ACTIVATED THE BURNER JUST PRIOR TO LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE BALLOON CLIMBING TO APPROXIMATELY 60 FEET. THE PASSENGER INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE LINE WHICH RELEASED THE AIR FROM THE ENVELOPE, RESULTING IN A RAPID DESCENT TO A HARD LANDING.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE BALLOON WAS DEFLATED BY THE PASSENGER WHEN HE PULLED THE CROWN LINE. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS WAS THE PILOT'S POOR JUDGEMENT IN RELINQUISHING THE LINE TO THE PASSENGER.
Full Narrative
THE COMMERCIAL BALLOON PILOT RELINQUISHED CONTROL OF THE CROWN LINE TO ONE OF THE FOUR PASSENGERS DURING A HIGH WIND LANDING TO A PASTURE. THE PILOT ACTIVATED THE BURNER JUST PRIOR TO LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN THE BALLOON CLIMBING TO APPROXIMATELY 60 FEET. THE PASSENGER INADVERTENTLY PULLED THE LINE WHICH RELEASED THE AIR FROM THE ENVELOPE, RESULTING IN A RAPID DESCENT TO A HARD LANDING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:00 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAdams A-60
Tail NumberN9811N
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
People & Injuries
Injury Summary3 injuries (3 serious injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total4
Crew 1Age 47 · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 20 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO