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NTSB Report
September 18, 2020 · Ultramagic N500 · N500UM
Peoria, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 2020
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries), 18 uninjured
Location
Peoria, AZ
Aircraft
Ultramagic N500 (2018)
Tail Number
N500UM
Operator
Randy Long Companies
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR20LA333
The pilot stated that he departed from a vacant desert location with the wind from east at about 6 to 8 knots. The balloon ascended to about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl) as he maneuvered. Upon the descent to the intended landing location, about 200 ft agl, the balloon encountered a wind shift from the north. The pilot stated that this amounted to a low-level wind shear that accelerated the descent rate and resulted in an abnormally hard landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the balloon and that the hard landing was a result of non-forecasted/unexpected wind shear. As a result of the impact, two passenger suffered serious injuries.
NTSB Probable Cause
The balloon's encounter with unexpected windshear, which resulted in a hard landing and serious passenger injuries.
Full Narrative
The pilot stated that he departed from a vacant desert location with the wind from east at about 6 to 8 knots. The balloon ascended to about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl) as he maneuvered. Upon the descent to the intended landing location, about 200 ft agl, the balloon encountered a wind shift from the north. The pilot stated that this amounted to a low-level wind shear that accelerated the descent rate and resulted in an abnormally hard landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the balloon and that the hard landing was a result of non-forecasted/unexpected wind shear. As a result of the impact, two passenger suffered serious injuries.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:00 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftUltramagic N500
Tail NumberN500UM
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorRandy Long Companies
Operating RulePart 91
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries), 18 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured18
Total20
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C
Altimeter29.99 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC