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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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March 2, 2026 · Lindstrand 260A · N261RR

Casa Grande, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 2, 2026
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 12 uninjured
Location
Casa Grande, AZ
Aircraft
Lindstrand 260A (2012)
Tail Number
N261RR
Operator
Bruce Patterson
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR26LA118

The pilot of the hot air balloon reported that while conducting a sight-seeing flight with multiple passengers, the balloon approached a mountain where it encountered downdrafts, causing the balloon to sink and its ground speed to increase. The pilot attempted but was unable to arrest the sink rate using the balloon’s propane flame burners. The pilot directed the passengers to sit down in the basket, as they had been briefed prior to the flight. The passenger basket impacted a rock on the mountain terrain, incurring substantial damage to a structural wooden skid and a structural metal tube. The basket then became airborne again and the pilot continued the flight to a safe landing zone. According to the pilot, a passenger who remained standing during the accident sequence received a minor injury. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The hot air balloon’s encounter with downdraft wind conditions in mountainous terrain and subsequent impact with terrain.

Full Narrative

The pilot of the hot air balloon reported that while conducting a sight-seeing flight with multiple passengers, the balloon approached a mountain where it encountered downdrafts, causing the balloon to sink and its ground speed to increase. The pilot attempted but was unable to arrest the sink rate using the balloon’s propane flame burners. The pilot directed the passengers to sit down in the basket, as they had been briefed prior to the flight. The passenger basket impacted a rock on the mountain terrain, incurring substantial damage to a structural wooden skid and a structural metal tube. The basket then became airborne again and the pilot continued the flight to a safe landing zone. According to the pilot, a passenger who remained standing during the accident sequence received a minor injury. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:20 MST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftLindstrand 260A
Tail NumberN261RR
Aircraft CategoryBall
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBruce Patterson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines0
Engine TypeNone
Engine DetailsN/A · None
Seats1

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 12 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured12
Total13
Crew 1Age 57 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57 F / 30 F
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time06:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data