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NTSB Report

November 11, 2009 · Cameron Balloons Us A-250 · N4062M

Napa, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 11, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 12 uninjured
Location
Napa, CA
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons Us A-250
Tail Number
N4062M
Operator
Napa Valley Balloons
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR10CA058

The pilot of the balloon reported that after three unsuccessful landing attempts during the sightseeing flight, he located a grassy 2-3 acre field and positioned the balloon for landing. He stated that the approach was from the northwest at 500-feet and the balloon was traveling about 6 knots. The pilot anticipated winds near the surface to be from the east; however, after descending to 250-feet the balloon continued in a southerly direction, near trees. The pilot executed a controlled descent over a tree and landed firmly. The basket bounced once and came to rest upright with the balloon's envelope against a tree. After the landing, one of the passengers complained of ankle pain and was transported to a hospital. A medical evaluation revealed that the passenger's ankle was fractured. The pilot reported that a passenger landing briefing was completed prior to landing.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's encounter with variable winds which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that after three unsuccessful landing attempts during the sightseeing flight, he located a grassy 2-3 acre field and positioned the balloon for landing. He stated that the approach was from the northwest at 500-feet and the balloon was traveling about 6 knots. The pilot anticipated winds near the surface to be from the east, however, after descending to 250-feet the balloon continued in a southerly direction, near trees. The pilot executed a controlled descent over a tree and landed firmly. The basket bounced once and came to rest upright with the balloon's envelope against a tree. After the landing, one of the passengers complained of ankle pain and was transported to a hospital. A medical evaluation revealed that the passenger's ankle was fractured. The pilot reported that a passenger landing briefing was completed prior to landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:45 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons Us A-250
Tail NumberN4062M
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorNapa Valley Balloons
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats12

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 12 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured12
Total13
Crew 1Age 60 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind145° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 46
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data