Pilot Debrief

CAMERON BALLOONS US C-80 near Rio Rancho, NM — 2026-05-03

Final reportWPR26LA176
Sign in to save
Date
2026-05-03
Location
Rio Rancho, NM, USA
Aircraft
CAMERON BALLOONS US C-80
Registration
N4022X
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The passenger’s improper hand placement on the basket upright during landing, which resulted in injury when the upright fractured during the basket’s bounce and drag sequence.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that he and the passenger, who had recently purchased the balloon, were conducting a local flight. Before departure, he briefed the passenger on proper landing posture and hand placement down low and not on the uprights. The takeoff and enroute phase of the flight were unremarkable. While on final approach to land, the pilot conducted a steep approach and demonstrated ground-tracking maneuvers before the final touchdown. During touchdown, the basket bounced and was dragged across the ground. The passenger was holding onto a basket upright during one of the bounces. Subsequently, the upright fractured and the passenger sustained a serious injury. The pilot reported there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

Related mishaps