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NTSB Report
October 7, 2022 · Aerostar International S53A · N9140F
Albuquerque, NM
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 7, 2022
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Aerostar International S53A
Tail Number
N9140F
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
CEN23LA006
The pilot reported that he was descending to land following a normal balloon flight. About 1,000 ft agl, the wind shifted direction, and the balloon began drifting over areas unsuitable for landing. The balloon had been airborne for an hour and a half, and fuel in the two tanks were about 20 and 35.9 percent respectively. With low fuel becoming critical and few options for a suitable landing site, the pilot elected to land the balloon on a highway. During the landing, the balloon struck a bridge railing and came down in a wooded area next to a river. One of the passengers on board sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that he should have landed sooner.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inability to find a suitable landing area in a critical fuel situation and his decision to land on a highway, which resulted in the balloon impacting a bridge railing and terrain.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was descending to land following a normal balloon flight. About 1,000 ft agl, the wind shifted direction, and the balloon began drifting over areas unsuitable for landing. The balloon had been airborne for an hour and a half, and fuel in the two tanks were about 20 and 35.9 percent respectively. With low fuel becoming critical and few options for a suitable landing site, the pilot elected to land the balloon on a highway. During the landing, the balloon struck a bridge railing and came down in a wooded area next to a river. One of the passengers on board sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operations. The pilot reported that he should have landed sooner.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:21 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAerostar International S53A
Tail NumberN9140F
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 70 · Sprt · Minor
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point60 / 50
Altimeter30.20 inHg
Observation Time06:00
Weather SourceWFAC