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NTSB Report

June 12, 2006 · Head Balloons AX8-88 · N83030

Gretna, NE

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 12, 2006
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Gretna, NE
Aircraft
Head Balloons AX8-88
Tail Number
N83030
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
CHI06CA160

After the local sightseeing balloon flight, one passenger sustained a broken arm when the balloon basket tipped over as it contacted the ground upon landing. A second passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot was uninjured. The balloon was not damaged. The pilot reported that based on a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver the balloon's groundspeed was approximately 8 miles-per-hour as it approached for landing. He noted that because he expected the balloon basket to tip over upon contact with the ground, he decided to execute a high wind approach and landing. The pilot stated that the passengers were briefed to hold on at two locations within the basket and to keep their knees bent in order to absorb impact forces. He reported that the balloon was stabilized about 4 feet off the ground prior to landing, the burner pilot light was extinguished, and the envelope deflation port was opened. He stated that when the basket contacted the ground and began to tip forward, one of the passenger's arms became trapped beneath her, fracturing her forearm. Local surface winds were observed to be 6 knots about the time of the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

A run-on landing encountered by the pilot of the balloon due to the prevailing winds. The unfavorable winds were a contributing factor.

Full Narrative

After the local sightseeing balloon flight, one passenger sustained a broken arm when the balloon basket tipped over as it contacted the ground upon landing. A second passenger sustained minor injuries. The pilot was uninjured. The balloon was not damaged. The pilot reported that based on a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver the balloon's groundspeed was approximately 8 miles-per-hour as it approached for landing. He noted that because he expected the balloon basket to tip over upon contact with the ground, he decided to execute a high wind approach and landing. The pilot stated that the passengers were briefed to hold on at two locations within the basket and to keep their knees bent in order to absorb impact forces. He reported that the balloon was stabilized about 4 feet off the ground prior to landing, the burner pilot light was extinguished, and the envelope deflation port was opened. He stated that when the basket contacted the ground and began to tip forward, one of the passenger's arms became trapped beneath her, fracturing her forearm. At 1935, the Millard Airport (MLE) Automated Surface Observing System, recorded winds from 050 degrees at 6 knots. MLE was located approximately 6 miles from the accident site.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:35 CDT
Nearest AirportMILLARD (6nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftHead Balloons AX8-88
Tail NumberN83030
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 44 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Observation Time00:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data