Pilot Debrief

FIREFLY BALLOONS 2010 INC FIREFLY 12B-010 near Pagosa Springs, CO — 2021-04-20

Final reportCEN21LA210
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Date
2021-04-20
Location
Pagosa Springs, CO, USA
Aircraft
FIREFLY BALLOONS 2010 INC FIREFLY 12B-010
Registration
N3016R
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly control the balloon during a steep approach that resulted in a hard landing and a serious passenger injury.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he and 10 passengers were landing following a 30 minute flight. The balloon had to clear powerlines along a road to land in a field and the pilot had to land the balloon before it encountered trees and a row of bushes at the end of the field. The pilot briefed the passengers on the landing position and procedures and descended to the field. He landed the balloon firm so that it would not move closer to the trees and bushes. The pilot reported that immediately after landing, one of the passengers complained that her wrist was sore. During a medical examination after the accident, it was determined that she sustained a fractured wrist.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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