Pilot Debrief

AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL RX8 near Petaluma, CA — 2016-02-13

Final reportWPR16LA070
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Date
2016-02-13
Location
Petaluma, CA, USA
Aircraft
AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL RX8
Registration
N3647A
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind during the landing approach, which resulted in the balloon’s basket impacting a metal fence and a passenger sustaining serious injuries.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot was making an approach to a field for landing at the end of the sightseeing flight. During the approach, he misjudged the wind, which pushed the balloon near a metal fence and resulted in the balloon's basket striking the fence. The pilot then landed the balloon safely on an adjacent road. The balloon sustained minor damage, and a child passenger, who was sitting down in the basket, sustained serious injuries.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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