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September 12, 2019 · Kubicek BB60 Z · N505CZ

Goodsprings, NV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 12, 2019
Injury Outcomes
9 injuries (3 serious injuries, 6 minor injuries)
Location
Goodsprings, NV
Aircraft
Kubicek BB60 Z (2018)
Tail Number
N505CZ
Operator
Vegas Hot Air Sin City Balloon Rides
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR19LA257

The pilot stated that, after about 1 hour into the flight, the wind changed, and the balloon’s direction shifted south toward terrain that was not suitable for a balloon landing. The pilot then aligned the balloon with a more suitable landing location and began the descent. As the balloon neared the surface, the wind increased, and the pilot briefed the passengers of a potential high-wind landing. He pulled the vent line, but the balloon did not deflate as he expected. The balloon landed hard, and the pilot and several passengers were ejected from the basket. Afterward, the balloon flew at a low level for about 0.5 mile, and the remaining three passengers were ejected from the basket. The balloon came to rest on a hillside in remote desert terrain. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the balloon.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing and serious injuries to the pilot and two passengers.

Full Narrative

On September 12, 2019, about 0930 Pacific daylight time, a Kubicek BB60Z balloon, N505CZ, was involved in an accident near Goodsprings, Nevada. The pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. the remaining six passengers sustained minor injuries, and the balloon sustained substantial damage. The balloon was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that, after about 1 hour into the flight, he planned to touch down near a water basin. When the balloon was about 0.5 mile away from the intended landing location, the wind changed, and the balloon’s direction shifted south toward terrain that the pilot described as “unfriendly” for a balloon landing. The pilot ascended the balloon to find a different wind direction. The balloon continued over a ridge, and the pilot then aligned the balloon with a dirt road and began the descent. As the balloon neared the surface, the wind increased, and the pilot briefed the passengers about a potential high-wind landing. He pulled the vent line, but the balloon did not deflate as he expected. The balloon landed hard, and the pilot reported that he was ejected from the basket. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector responding to this accident stated five occupants in addition to the pilot were ejected from the basket after the hard landing. Afterward, the balloon flew at a low level for about 0.5 mile, and the remaining three passengers were ejected from the basket. The balloon came to rest on a hillside in remote desert terrain located about 17 miles southwest of Las Vegas. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation of the balloon.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftKubicek BB60 Z
Tail NumberN505CZ
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorVegas Hot Air Sin City Balloon Rides
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury Summary9 injuries (3 serious injuries, 6 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious3
Minor6
Uninjured0
Total9
Crew 1Age 67 · None · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDawn
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter27.89 inHg
Observation Time14:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data