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NTSB Report
April 20, 2021 · Firefly Balloons 2010 Firefly 12B-010 · N3016R
Pagosa Springs, CO
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 10 uninjured
Location
Pagosa Springs, CO
Aircraft
Firefly Balloons 2010 Firefly 12B-010 (2012)
Tail Number
N3016R
Operator
Rmba
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
CEN21LA210
The pilot reported that he and 10 passengers were landing following a 30 minute flight. The balloon had to clear powerlines along a road to land in a field and the pilot had to land the balloon before it encountered trees and a row of bushes at the end of the field. The pilot briefed the passengers on the landing position and procedures and descended to the field. He landed the balloon firm so that it would not move closer to the trees and bushes. The pilot reported that immediately after landing, one of the passengers complained that her wrist was sore. During a medical examination after the accident, it was determined that she sustained a fractured wrist.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to properly control the balloon during a steep approach that resulted in a hard landing and a serious passenger injury.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he and 10 passengers were landing following a 30 minute flight. The balloon had to clear powerlines along a road to land in a field and the pilot had to land the balloon before it encountered trees and a row of bushes at the end of the field. The pilot briefed the passengers on the landing position and procedures and descended to the field. He landed the balloon firm so that it would not move closer to the trees and bushes. The pilot reported that immediately after landing, one of the passengers complained that her wrist was sore. During a medical examination after the accident, it was determined that she sustained a fractured wrist.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftFirefly Balloons 2010 Firefly 12B-010
Tail NumberN3016R
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorRmba
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 10 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured10
Total11
Crew 1Age 23 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind120° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point41 F / 12 F
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time08:55
Weather SourceWFAC