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December 16, 2019 · Lindstrand 180A No Series · N3013T

Davenport, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 16, 2019
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 5 uninjured
Location
Davenport, FL
Aircraft
Lindstrand 180A No Series (2011)
Tail Number
N3013T
Operator
Orlando Balloon Rides
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
ERA20CA138

The pilot reported that, while flying the balloon level and preparing for landing, he brushed the basket on a treetop to slow the balloon's forward speed. After slowing, he conducted a standup landing with no basket tip-over. After securing the balloon, one of the passengers reported that her foot was injured. The injured passenger reported that, before landing, the pilot announced that they were coming in too fast for landing and that he was going to hit the treetops to slow the balloon down. He instructed the passengers to assume the landing position. She then felt a "hard whiplash-like impact" and heard tree branches snapping. Upon landing, she experienced pain in both ankles and was unable to immediately egress the basket. She later egressed with assistance. She declined immediate medical attention. She sought medical attention later that day and was initially diagnosed with a "bad sprain" of her left ankle. However, during a follow-up visit, a doctor found fractures in both of her ankles. Another passenger reported that, while not familiar with balloon landings, the landing "seemed hard and was a shock." He further stated that they had not been previously briefed that such a shock may occur during landing.

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 injury to a passenger.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that, while flying level, in preparation for landing, he brushed the basket in the top of a tree to slow the forward speed. After slowing, he conducted a standup landing with no basket tip over. After securing the balloon, one of the passengers reported that her foot was injured. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation. The injured passenger reported that, prior to landing, the pilot announced they were coming in too fast for landing, and he was going to hit the treetops too slow them down. He instructed the passengers to assume the landing position. She then felt a "hard whiplash-like impact" and heard the snapping of tree branches. Upon landing, she experienced pain in both ankles and was unable to immediately egress from the basket. She later egressed with assistance. She declined immediate medical attention offered by the pilot at the scene, and again during the drive back to the operator's base. She elected to seek medical attention later that day and was initially diagnosed with a "bad sprain", of her left ankle. However, a follow up visit with a doctor later identified fractures in both of her ankles. Another passenger reported that, while not familiar with balloon landings, the landing "seemed hard and was a shock". He further stated that, they had not been previously briefed that such a shock may occur during landing.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 EST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand 180A No Series
Tail NumberN3013T
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorOrlando Balloon Rides
Operating RulePart 91

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 5 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured5
Total6
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Age 53 · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F / 61 F
Altimeter30.19 inHg
Observation Time13:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data