Pilot Debrief

BALLOON WORKS FIREFLY 8B 15 near Murfreesboro, TN — 2017-07-15

Final reportERA17LA243
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Date
2017-07-15
Location
Murfreesboro, TN, USA
Aircraft
BALLOON WORKS FIREFLY 8B 15
Registration
N3282P
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The passenger's failure to let go of the balloon's gondola when the balloon began to ascend. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain control of the balloon after landing, which resulted in an inadvertent takeoff.

NTSB narrative

According to the commercial pilot, after a successful sightseeing balloon flight, all the passengers exited the gondola and were helping the pilot secure the balloon. As they were holding on to the maneuvering handles, the balloon began to ascend; the pilot directed the passengers to "let go" of the gondola, and all except one released the maneuvering handles. The passenger who did not let go was carried about 30 ft into the air before he let go and fell to the ground; he sustained serious injuries. The pilot regained control of the balloon and landed.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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