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NTSB Report
January 31, 2009 · Cameron Balloons Us V-90 · N2097H
La Junta, CO
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 31, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
La Junta, CO
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons Us V-90
Tail Number
N2097H
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CEN09CA159
While landing a hot air balloon, the pilot encountered surface winds estimated at 22 mph and gusting to 28 mph. At 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot shut off the burner and prepared for the landing. The hot air balloon descended 400 to 450 feet per minute, impacted hard on downward sloping terrain, and was dragged approximately 360 feet by the wind before coming to rest. The pilot suffered two broken ankles. There were no reported pre-impact anomalies.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain a safe rate of descent during landing. Contributing to the accident was the strong surface winds.
Full Narrative
While landing a hot air balloon, the pilot encountered surface winds estimated at 22 mph and gusting to 28 mph. At 20 to 25 feet above ground level, the pilot shut off the burner and prepared for the landing. The hot air balloon descended 400 to 450 feet per minute, impacted hard on downward sloping terrain, and was dragged approximately 360 feet by the wind before coming to rest. The pilot suffered two broken ankles. There were no reported pre-impact anomalies.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:30 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCameron Balloons Us V-90
Tail NumberN2097H
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 57 · None · Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind113° @ 20 kt, gusting 25 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 12 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourcePILO