Pilot Debrief

ULTRAMAGIC N250 - NO SERIES near Phoenix, AZ — 2014-09-13

Final reportWPR14CA396
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Date
2014-09-13
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Aircraft
ULTRAMAGIC N250 - NO SERIES
Registration
N59EX
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while landing in downdraft and gusting wind conditions which resulted in striking trees and a subsequent hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that as the balloon descended to land, about 50 feet above ground level, a wind gust and down draft resulted in a rapid descent and subsequent collision with trees. The balloon landed hard and bounced several times. During the accident sequence, the basket flipped onto its side and was dragged in the dirt, which resulted in substantial damage to the structure. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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