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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 12, 2024 · Lindstrand 80E · N80029

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 12, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Lindstrand 80E (2022)
Tail Number
N80029
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR25LA016

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land a hot air balloon in a field, when the wind shifted. Upon touchdown, one of the passengers exited without the pilot’s instruction to do so. As a result of the passenger exiting, the balloon suddenly climbed about 15-20 ft. Subsequently, as the balloon was descending to the ground, the pilot vented out the remaining air from the envelope, which then contacted the ground and a powerline. A spark was observed at the powerline and a small fire ensued, which resulted in substantial damage to the envelope. The pilot reported that the balloon had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that a preflight passenger briefing was conducted prior to the flight, which directed passengers to remain in the basket until the pilot gives permission to exit.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s loss of control during landing, which resulted in the balloon’s envelope contacting powerlines.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he was attempting to land a hot air balloon in a field, when the wind shifted. Upon touchdown, one of the passengers exited without the pilot’s instruction to do so. As a result of the passenger exiting, the balloon suddenly climbed about 15-20 ft. Subsequently, as the balloon was descending to the ground, the pilot vented out the remaining air from the envelope, which then contacted the ground and a powerline. A spark was observed at the powerline and a small fire ensued, which resulted in substantial damage to the envelope. The pilot reported that the balloon had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot further stated that a preflight passenger briefing was conducted prior to the flight, which directed passengers to remain in the basket until the pilot gives permission to exit.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand 80E
Tail NumberN80029
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 2Age 59 · None · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 21 F
Altimeter30.37 inHg
Observation Time08:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data