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NTSB Report

October 5, 2003 · Lindstrand Balloons LBL · N994AF

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 5, 2003
Injury Outcomes
5 injuries (2 serious injuries, 3 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Lindstrand Balloons LBL
Tail Number
N994AF
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
DEN04LA005

According to the passengers on board, the balloon was climbing when the pilot pulled the deflation line, releasing a flap at the top of the balloon. The balloon then descended rapidly striking terrain, bouncing, and then colliding with a retaining wall. The passengers were thrown to the floor of the balloon, seriously injuring two passengers. The pilot remained on his feet, re-inflated the balloon and continued the flight for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Two passengers asked the pilot, after the collision, what had happened. The pilot replied, "He had pulled the wrong chord."

NTSB Probable Cause

the inadequate in-flight planning/decision by the pilot. Contributing factors include the inadvertent activation of the deflation line by the pilot and the retaining wall.

Full Narrative

On October 5, 2003, at 0723 mountain daylight time, a Lindstrand Balloons LBL, N994AF, operated by Enchanted Winds Balloon Company, collided with a cement wall after departing Albuquerque City Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The commercial certificated instructor pilot was not injured; however, two passengers received serious injuries and three passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. No flight plan had been filed for the local flight being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at approximately 0715 and landed at approximately 0755. According to the pilot, during climb out the balloon encountered a downdraft. The pilot stated that he attempted to regain control of the balloon, but was unable before it impacted a cement wall. The balloon envelope received minor burn damage and two passengers were seriously injured. According to the passengers, the balloon was climbing when the pilot pulled the deflation line that released a flap at the top of the balloon. The balloon then descended rapidly striking terrain, bouncing, and then colliding with the retaining wall. The passengers were thrown to the floor of the balloon, but the pilot remained on his feet, re-inflated the balloon, and continued the flight for an additional 20 to 30 minutes. Two passengers asked the pilot, after the collision, what had happened. The pilot replied, "He had pulled the wrong chord." The METAR (routine aviation weather) report taken at 0756: winds, 360 degrees at 8 knots; temperature 51 degrees F; dew point 45 degrees One passenger sustained a broken ankle and another passenger sustained a broken hip. All five passengers received abrasions and bruises.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:23 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand Balloons LBL
Tail NumberN994AF
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury Summary5 injuries (2 serious injuries, 3 minor injuries), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor3
Uninjured1
Total6
Crew 1Age 74 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time13:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data