Pilot Debrief

CAMERON BALLOONS US A-225 near Albuquerque, NM — 2025-11-24

Final reportWPR26LA052
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Date
2025-11-24
Location
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Airport
ABQ
Aircraft
CAMERON BALLOONS US A-225
Registration
N980VA
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The balloon landing in increased wind, and the pilot’s inability to maintain the proper descent rate, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The hot air balloon pilot reported that he performed a safety briefing with all eight passengers before they boarded the balloon. During the flight the winds, which were forecasted to be about 3 knots at the time of landing, increased to 14 kts, gusting to 19 kts. The pilot determined that the planned landing area did not provide sufficient room for a safe landing due to the increase in wind speed and elected to divert to a more open area. The balloon crossed over a valley and encountered a downdraft, which the pilot said he unsuccessfully attempted to overcome using the gas burners. He activated the rapid-deflation system to help prevent dragging; the balloon touched down hard and was dragged by the wind as it deflated. The balloon landed hard at about 23 kts, which resulted in a serious injury to one of the passengers. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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