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February 9, 2005 · Cameron Balloons A-250 · N3037V

Cave Creek, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 9, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Cave Creek, AZ
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons A-250
Tail Number
N3037V
Operator
Hot Air Expeditions
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
LAX05LA094

A passenger fell while boarding the balloon, and broke her collarbone. Prior to the envelope's hot air inflation, the pilot had two passengers preboard the balloon due to one of the female passenger's physical limitations and speed of the surface wind. He estimated that the surface wind was 4-5 mph. As he started hot inflation of the balloon, the envelope started to stand upright. At that time, he instructed the third passenger to board. As she climbed into the basket, the side of the basket that she was on lifted slightly causing her to lose her balance and she fell into the basket. A medical examination revealed that she had a broken collarbone. The pilot stated that the balloon and heater had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate handling of the balloon during boarding resulting in a passenger falling and sustaining a serious injury.

Full Narrative

On February 9, 2005, about 1645 mountain standard time, a passenger fell and fractured her collarbone while boarding a Cameron Balloon A-250, N3037V, near Cave Creek Arizona. Hot Air Expeditions was operating the balloon under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured; one passenger sustained serious injuries. The balloon was not damaged. The local sightseeing flight was boarding prior to departure, and was to land elsewhere in Cave Creek. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan had not been filed. The pilot submitted a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2). He stated that, prior to the envelope's hot air inflation, he had two of the passengers preboard the balloon due to one of the female passenger's physical limitations and speed of the surface wind. He stated that the estimated surface wind was 4-5 mph. As he started hot air inflation of the balloon, the envelope started to stand upright. At that time, he instructed the third passenger to board. As she started to climb up using the footholds, the side of the basket that she was on lifted off the ground causing her to lose her balance and fall to the floor of the basket. A medical examination revealed that she had a broken collarbone. The pilot stated that the balloon and heater had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the flight.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 MST
Nearest AirportDeer Valley Airport (3nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons A-250
Tail NumberN3037V
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorHot Air Expeditions
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 45 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100°, gusting 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time15:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data