Pilot Debrief

AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL RX8 near Mount Ulla, NC — 2016-10-22

Final reportERA17LA029
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Date
2016-10-22
Location
Mount Ulla, NC, USA
Aircraft
AEROSTAR INTERNATIONAL RX8
Registration
N9015Y
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The passenger's failure to follow the pilot's instructions for properly securing herself during landing, which resulted in her serious injury when the balloon landed hard and the basket was dragged.

NTSB narrative

Before departing on a revenue sightseeing balloon flight, the commercial pilot briefed the passengers about landing procedures. After being airborne for nearly 1 hour with increasing wind (which was forecast), the pilot identified a landing field and initiated an approach. Before landing, he again briefed the passengers that they needed to hold onto the handles with both hands, and to expect a "bouncy and hard landing." As the balloon approached the field, the pilot noted that the surface winds had significantly increased and informed the passengers to face the direction of travel with their knees bent, to expect a bounce, and that, after touchdown, the basket may tip onto its side. Before touchdown, he had to again instruct one passenger to hold on; he then pulled the envelope deflation line. After a hard landing, the basket leaned onto its side, and the passenger who was instructed to hold on and who was only using one hand to do so, put her arms outside the basket. Another passenger grabbed her, and the basket then became airborne slightly, followed by another landing. The basket tipped over, and the balloon was dragged a short distance across the field before stopping. One passenger sustained a fractured vertebrae and wrist, while the other occupants were not injured.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to delay landing due to increasing wind conditions.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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