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NTSB Report

November 14, 2016 · Cameron A315 NO Series · N69520

Winters, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 14, 2016
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 14 uninjured
Location
Winters, CA
Aircraft
Cameron A315 NO Series (2014)
Tail Number
N69520
Operator
Napa Valley Balloons
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
GAA17CA082

The pilot of a balloon reported that while aloft he observed the wind increase to about 10 miles per hour, so he briefed his passengers on how to brace for a "high wind landing" and possible basket tip-over. The pilot further reported that he descended to about 3 feet above ground, and once over the target landing area he "shut off [the] fuel tanks and burners then pulled the smart vent (rapid deflation valve)." Subsequently, on touch down the basket bounced once and skidded about 15 to 20 yards before stopping with the basket tipping over on its side. The pilot reported that he secured the basket and while the passengers were exiting the basket, his ground crew informed him that a passenger had injured her ankle. According to the pilot, the injured passenger did not speak English as her first language and he was unsure if she braced appropriately for the landing or if she sustained the serious injury while exiting the basket. The pilot reported that another passenger informed him that the passenger sustained the injury while she was exiting the basket. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The passenger's improper egress from the balloon basket, which resulted in a serious injury.

Full Narrative

The pilot of a balloon reported that while aloft he observed the wind increase to about 10 miles per hour, so he briefed his passengers on how to brace for a "high wind landing" and possible basket tip-over. The pilot further reported that he descended to about 3 feet above ground, and once over the target landing area he "shut off [the] fuel tanks and burners then pulled the smart vent (rapid deflation valve)." Subsequently, on touch down the basket bounced once and skidded about 15 to 20 yards before stopping with the basket tipping over on its side. The pilot reported that he secured the basket and while the passengers were exiting the basket, his ground crew informed him that a passenger had injured her ankle. According to the pilot, the injured passenger did not speak English as her first language and he was unsure if she braced appropriately for the landing or if she sustained the serious injury while exiting the basket. The pilot reported that another passenger informed him that the passenger sustained the injury while she was exiting the basket. The pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:50 PST
Nearest AirportYolo County (1nm NW)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron A315 NO Series
Tail NumberN69520
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorNapa Valley Balloons
Operating RulePart 91
Engines3
Engine TypeUnknown
Engine DetailsUnknown
Seats17

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 14 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured14
Total15
Crew 1Age 61 · None · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 5 kt
Visibility9 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time16:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data