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September 11, 2008 · Firefly Balloons 8B-15 · N2053D

Springfield, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 2008
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Springfield, IL
Aircraft
Firefly Balloons 8B-15
Tail Number
N2053D
Operator
Edward J Dowling
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
CHI08CA281

The pilot reported that the ground winds were 1 to 2 miles per hour, and the winds between 500 and 1,500 feet above the ground varied from 5 to 8 miles per hour during the uneventful flight. He reported that he chose a backyard in which to land, and at an altitude of seven to nine feet above the ground they threw a line out to the chase crew to slow them down. The pilot reported that before reaching the ground, two more chase crewmembers grabbed the gondola to slow them down even more and to soften the landing. Upon touching down, one passenger lost her balance and fell into a 91-year-old passenger, knocking her to the bottom of the gondola. The 91-year-old passenger suffered two broken legs and a broken ankle. The pilot reported that prior to the departure all of the passengers were instructed to hold on tight, bend their knees, and stay inside the gondola during the landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the passenger to follow the pilot's instructions by not steadying herself during the landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported the ground winds were 1 to 2 miles per hour, and the winds between 500 and 1,500 feet above the ground varied from 5 to 8 miles per hour during the uneventful flight. He reported he chose a backyard in which to land, and at an altitude of seven to nine feet above the ground they threw a line out to the chase crew to slow them down. The pilot reported that before reaching the ground, two more chase crewmembers grabbed the gondola to slow them down even more and to soften the landing. Upon touching down, one passenger lost her balance and fell into a 91 year old passenger, knocking her to the bottom of the gondola. The 91 year old passenger suffered two broken legs and a broken ankle. The pilot reported that prior to the departure, all of the passengers were instructed to hold on tight, bend their knees, and stay inside the gondola during the landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftFirefly Balloons 8B-15
Tail NumberN2053D
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorEdward J Dowling
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total4
Crew 1Age 57 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 55
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time23:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data