Pilot Debrief

Cameron A 210 near Hume, NY — 2019-08-02

Final reportGAA19CA484
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Date
2019-08-02
Location
Hume, NY, USA
Aircraft
Cameron A 210
Registration
N6533Q
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain a proper descent rate during landing, which resulted in a hard landing and a serious passenger injury.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, after the balloon encountered a thermal en route, he decided to land it in a hayfield surrounded by a wooded area. He added that the balloon was "driven down into the tree branches," and when over the hayfield, it descended and bounced hard to about 10 ft as he deflated the envelope. The balloon landed hard again and then deflated. One passenger sustained serious injuries. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident 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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