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November 13, 2011 · Cameron Balloons A-315 · N65400

Vacaville, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 13, 2011
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 14 uninjured
Location
Vacaville, CA
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons A-315
Tail Number
N65400
Operator
Napa Valley Balloons
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR12CA035

The pilot and passengers were on a local area flight in a hot air balloon. Prior to departure, the pilot conducted a preflight orientation for the passengers, which included proper positioning in the basket during landing. According to the pilot, upon departure, the wind was from the south at 5 knots; however, when he returned for a landing, the wind had increased to 10 knots. The balloon's descent rate near the surface was 30 feet per minute. Upon contact with the ground, the balloon basket slid about 40 to 50 feet before impacting a 6- to 8-inch curb. The basket stopped abruptly and fell over. One of the passengers sustained a broken leg during the landing. The pilot's ground crew reported that the passenger was not against the downwind basket side at the time of ground contact. The pilot indicated that prior to departure, he will now require passengers to demonstrate their landing positioning so that he can ensure their understanding.

NTSB Probable Cause

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

Full Narrative

The pilot and his passengers were on a local area flight in a hot air balloon. Prior to departure, the pilot conducted a preflight orientation for the passengers which included proper positioning in the basket during landing. Upon departure the winds were from the south at 5 knots. During landing, the pilot noted that the winds had increased to 10 knots. The balloon's descent rate near the surface was 30 feet per minute. Upon contact with the ground, the balloon basket slid approximately 40 to 50 feet before impacting a 6 to 8-inch curb. The basket stopped abruptly and fell over. One of the passengers sustained a broken leg during the landing. The pilot's ground crew reported that the passenger was not against the downwind basket side at the time of ground contact. The pilot indicated that prior to departure, he will now require passengers to demonstrate their landing positioning so that he can ensure their understanding.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:10 PST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons A-315
Tail NumberN65400
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorNapa Valley Balloons
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats12

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 14 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured14
Total15
Crew 1Age 62 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 4 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 48
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time16:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data