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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 25, 2009 · Aerostar International S-60A · N120RB

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 4 uninjured
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Aerostar International S-60A
Tail Number
N120RB
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
CEN09LA318

On a scenic balloon flight with four passengers, the pilot located a clear area to land the balloon. As the pilot maneuvered the balloon to the area, the wind the pilot was expecting did not materialize and the pilot picked an alternate site. In order to remain clear of obstacles, the pilot "vented" the balloon "and had a hard landing." During the landing, one of the passengers sustained a broken ankle.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent rate-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

On May 25, 2009, at approximately 0830 mountain daylight time, an Aerostar International Inc., S-60A balloon, N120RB, piloted by a commercial pilot, landed hard near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The scenic flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and three passengers were not injured; however, the fourth passenger received a broken ankle. The local flight originated about 0715. In a statement provided to the NTSB, the pilot stated that he had located an area to land the balloon. As the pilot maneuvered the balloon to the area, the wind the pilot was expecting did not materialize, and the pilot picked an alternate site. In order to remain clear of obstacles the pilot "vented" the balloon "and had a hard landing."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar International S-60A
Tail NumberN120RB
Aircraft CategoryBall
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 4 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total5
Crew 1Age 42 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data