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May 15, 2010 · Aerostar International S57A NO Series · N9002Z

Hilliard, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 15, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Hilliard, OH
Aircraft
Aerostar International S57A NO Series
Tail Number
N9002Z
Operator
T F Hampton Ventures
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
CEN10CA257

After a 50-minute, late afternoon balloon flight, the pilot executed a normal touchdown onto a flat grassy area. A weather station 8 miles to the northeast reported the surface wind was five miles per hour at the time of the accident. All of the occupants were facing forward for the touchdown and the pilot had previously instructed both passengers how to hold on to two points and how to flex their knees for the first impact of landing. At the first impact with the ground, the 82 year old female passenger sank to the floor of the balloon basket. It was immediately apparent to the other passenger that she had been injured. After the basket stopped moving, the pilot deflated the balloon and the pilot, the other passenger, and a bystander assisted the injured passenger in exiting. The injured passenger was transported to the hospital and treated for a broken leg. The other occupants were not injured and the balloon was not damaged. The uninjured passenger said the pre-takeoff safety briefing and the before landing safety briefing were simple and clearly understood.

NTSB Probable Cause

The passenger’s inadequate brace for the balloon landing, resulting in injury.

Full Narrative

After a 50-minute, late afternoon balloon flight, the pilot executed a normal touch down onto a flat grassy area. A weather station 8 miles to the northeast reported the surface wind was five miles per hour at the time of the accident. All of the occupants were facing forward for the touchdown and the pilot had previously instructed both passengers how to hold on to two points and how to flex their knees for the first impact of landing. At the first impact with the ground, the 82 year old female passenger sank to the floor of the balloon basket. It was immediately apparent to the other passenger that she had been injured. After the basket stopped moving, the pilot deflated the balloon and the pilot, the other passenger, and a bystander assisted the injured passenger in exiting. The injured passenger was transported to the hospital and treated for a broken leg. The other occupants were not injured and the balloon was not damaged. The uninjured passenger said the pre-takeoff safety briefing and the before landing safety briefing were simple and clearly understood.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:50 EDT
Nearest AirportBalloon Landing Area (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAerostar International S57A NO Series
Tail NumberN9002Z
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorT F Hampton Ventures
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 52 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 10000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 46
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data