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June 17, 2011 · Lindstrand LBL120A NO Series · N5595L

Le Center, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 17, 2011
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Location
Le Center, MN
Aircraft
Lindstrand LBL120A NO Series
Tail Number
N5595L
Operator
Edward J Chapman
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA398

According to the pilot, the accident occurred as he attempted to land the hot air balloon in a 7-8 knot wind. The pilot stated that he briefed the passengers regarding the landing procedures prior to the landing. The first three landing approaches were aborted due to obstacles. During the fourth approach the pilot shut off the pilot lights for the balloon's burner and instructed the passengers to brace prior to touchdown. The basket touched down and rotated forward, which the pilot expected. He stated he was deflating the envelope when one of the passengers began to stand up and was nearly ejected from the basket as it touched down a second time. The pilot stated he grabbed the passenger's belt to prevent her from falling out of the basket which resulted in him being in an unstable position. With the next bump, the pilot was ejected from the basket. The pilot held onto the deflation line and was drug by the basket, sustaining serious injuries. The ground crew instructed the passengers to pull the "red line" deflation valve allowing the balloon to come to a stop.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the passenger to follow the pilot's instructions during landing, which caused the pilot to be ejected from the balloon and sustain serious injuries.

Full Narrative

The accident occurred as the pilot attempted to land the balloon in a 7-8 knot wind. The pilot stated that he briefed the passengers regarding the landing procedures prior to the landing. The first three landing approaches were aborted due to obstacles. During the fourth approach the pilot shut off the pilot lights for the burner and instructed the passengers to brace prior to touchdown. The basket touched down and pendulumed forward, which the pilot expected. He stated he was deflating the envelope when one of the passengers began to stand up and was nearly ejected from the basket as it touched down a second time. The pilot stated he grabbed the passenger's belt to prevent her from falling out of the basket which resulted in him being in an unstable position. With the next bump, the pilot stated, he was ejected from the basket. The pilot held onto the deflation line and was drug by the basket, sustaining serious injuries. The ground crew instructed the passengers to pull the "red line" deflation valve allowing the balloon to come to a stop.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand LBL120A NO Series
Tail NumberN5595L
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorEdward J Chapman
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury), 3 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured3
Total5
Crew 1Age 64 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data