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NTSB Report
December 20, 2021 · Cameron Balloons U S A-315 · N317RR
Phoenix, AZ
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 20, 2021
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 15 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons U S A-315 (2018)
Tail Number
N317RR
Operator
Rainbow Ryders
Injuries
Serious
NTSB Number
WPR22LA066
The pilot of the balloon reported that, while maneuvering to land, he was informed via radio that the wind speed had increased during the flight from about 4 mph to about 14 mph. While on final approach to land, he descended the balloon to about 6 ft above the surface to mitigate surface wind and to level off and fly to the clearing where the balloon landed. After touchdown, the basket was drug on the ground about 20 ft until the balloon came to a complete stop and the envelope deflated. The balloon was not damaged; however, a passenger was seriously injured with a fractured ankle. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inability to maintain balloon control during a high wind landing, which resulted in a serious passenger injury.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the balloon reported that, while maneuvering to land, he was informed via radio that the wind speed had increased during the flight from about 4 mph to about 14 mph. While on final approach to land, he descended the balloon to about 6 ft above the surface to mitigate surface wind and to level off and fly to the clearing where the balloon landed. After touchdown, the basket was drug on the ground about 20 ft until the balloon came to a complete stop and the envelope deflated. The balloon was not damaged; however, a passenger was seriously injured with a fractured ankle. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:50 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCameron Balloons U S A-315
Tail NumberN317RR
Aircraft CategoryBall
OperatorRainbow Ryders
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNa · None
Seats18
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 15 uninjured, 1 unknown outcome
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured15
Total17
Crew 1Age 32 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 12 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.21 inHg
Observation Time03:00
Weather SourcePILO