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NTSB Report
October 9, 2024 · Cameron Balloons Us ZL-70 · N31010
Rio Rancho, NM
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 9, 2024
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Rio Rancho, NM
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons Us ZL-70 (2024)
Tail Number
N31010
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
WPR25LA081
The pilot of the balloon reported that he was descending the balloon to land in a field, with wind coming from the north at about 10 kts. When the balloon was about 30 ft above ground level, the wind shifted and started to come from the northwest with an approximate 15 kt gust. The balloon changed direction during the wind gust and the pilot attempted to correct by burning the balloon’s tow burners, however, the balloon impacted a tree. The balloon sustained minor damage to its basket and envelope, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
The pilot’s inability to maintain clearance from a tree during the landing approach due to a gusting wind shift.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the balloon reported that he was descending the balloon to land in a field, with wind coming from the north at about 10 kts. When the balloon was about 30 ft above ground level, the wind shifted and started to come from the northwest with an approximate 15 kt gust. The balloon changed direction during the wind gust and the pilot attempted to correct by burning the balloon’s tow burners, however, the balloon impacted a tree. The balloon sustained minor damage to its basket and envelope, and the passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:05 MDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCameron Balloons Us ZL-70
Tail NumberN31010
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsNa · None
Seats0
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total2
Crew 1Age 69 · Second Class · None
Crew 2Serious
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind330° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Observation Time07:52
Weather SourceWFAC