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October 14, 2023 · Cameron Balloons U S A-315 6979 · N315RR

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 14, 2023
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 12 uninjured
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons U S A-315 6979 (2023)
Tail Number
N315RR
Operator
Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR24LA019

The pilot stated that the flight was a balloon sightseeing flight that was departing from a large balloon festival. He received a weather briefing as part of the festival and there was no forecasted adverse conditions. Prior to departure, he briefed all 12 passengers on the proper landing position (knees slightly bent with both hands holding onto the rope). After a normal accent, the pilot flew for about 40 minutes and prepared to land. During the descent, he noted that the surface winds were faster than earlier in the flight. As they descended to about 75 ft above ground level (agl), the balloon encountered windshear and turbulent air. In response, the balloon descended faster than the pilot anticipated, and he was unable to arrest the descent. The balloon contacted a chain-link fence and touched down in a field. As a result of the landing, a passenger suffered a bone fracture (in the ankle area). The balloon did not sustain damage. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) sounding over the landing site indicated a stable atmosphere with no thermals and a defined low-level temperature inversion to about 2,000 ft agl with light and variable winds to the surface. No strong winds were indicated below 10,000 ft mean seal level (msl).

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain control of the balloon during landing due to unforecasted windshear and turbulent air.

Full Narrative

The pilot stated that the flight was a balloon sightseeing flight that was departing from a large balloon festival. He received a weather briefing as part of the festival and there was no forecasted adverse conditions. Prior to departure, he briefed all 12 passengers on the proper landing position (knees slightly bent with both hands holding onto the rope). After a normal accent, the pilot flew for about 40 minutes and prepared to land. During the descent, he noted that the surface winds were faster than earlier in the flight. As they descended to about 75 ft above ground level (agl), the balloon encountered windshear and turbulent air. In response, the balloon descended faster than the pilot anticipated, and he was unable to arrest the descent. The balloon contacted a chain-link fence and touched down in a field. As a result of the landing, a passenger suffered a bone fracture (in the ankle area). The balloon did not sustain damage. The pilot stated that there were no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) sounding over the landing site indicated a stable atmosphere with no thermals and a defined low-level temperature inversion to about 2,000 ft agl with light and variable winds to the surface. No strong winds were indicated below 10,000 ft mean seal level (msl).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCameron Balloons U S A-315 6979
Tail NumberN315RR
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 12 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured12
Total13
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind340° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 F / 25 F
Altimeter30.30 inHg
Observation Time07:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data