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May 28, 2021 · Lindstrand Balloons 90A · N1535G

Dayton, NV

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Dayton, NV
Aircraft
Lindstrand Balloons 90A (2007)
Tail Number
N1535G
Operator
Hungerford Brenda G
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR21LA225

The pilot of the balloon reported that, while landing, the wind suddenly shifted from about 1 to 10 miles per hour. The balloon ascended about 200 ft, then began to descend. Despite the use of both burners, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent. The basket struck the ground and tipped forward where she was partially ejected while pulling the deflation line. The balloon then began to ascend, and rotate, while the pilot continued to pull the deflation line. She was then fully ejected from the basket. Unable to hold onto the deflation line, she dropped about 15 to 20 ft to the ground and was seriously injured with a broken pelvis and three fractured vertebrae. One of the passengers continued to pull the deflation line and the balloon landed without damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the forecast indicated calm wind at the surface.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon due to an unexpected high surface wind and downdraft, which resulted in a hard landing.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that, while landing, the wind suddenly shifted from about 1 to 10 miles per hour. The balloon ascended about 200 ft, then began to descend. Despite the use of both burners, the pilot was unable to arrest the descent. The basket struck the ground and tipped forward where she was partially ejected while pulling the deflation line. The balloon then began to ascend, and rotate, while the pilot continued to pull the deflation line, she was then fully ejected from the basket. Unable to hold onto the deflation line, she dropped about 15 to 20 ft to the ground and was seriously injured with a broken pelvis and three fractured vertebrae. One of the passengers continued to pull the deflation line and the balloon landed without damage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported the forecast indicated calm wind at the surface.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand Balloons 90A
Tail NumberN1535G
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorHungerford Brenda G
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats3

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 61 · None · Serious
Crew 2None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point58 / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data