Pilot Debrief

Ultramagic N500 near Peoria, AZ — 2020-09-18

Final reportWPR20LA333
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Date
2020-09-18
Location
Peoria, AZ, USA
Aircraft
Ultramagic N500
Registration
N500UM
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The balloon's encounter with unexpected windshear, which resulted in a hard landing and serious passenger injuries.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that he departed from a vacant desert location with the wind from east at about 6 to 8 knots. The balloon ascended to about 1,000 ft above ground level (agl) as he maneuvered. Upon the descent to the intended landing location, about 200 ft agl, the balloon encountered a wind shift from the north. The pilot stated that this amounted to a low-level wind shear that accelerated the descent rate and resulted in an abnormally hard landing. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the balloon and that the hard landing was a result of non-forecasted/unexpected wind shear. As a result of the impact, two passenger suffered serious injuries.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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