Pilot Debrief

KUBICEK BB100Z near Hidden Valley Lake, CA — 2015-07-18

Final reportGAA15LA195
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Date
2015-07-18
Location
Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA
Aircraft
KUBICEK BB100Z
Registration
N938BS
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The balloon pilot’s deliberate hard landing to avoid power lines and trees, which resulted in serious passenger injuries.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while landing the balloon in variable wind conditions, he "deliberately made firm contact with the ground" to avoid power lines and trees ahead. The balloon then bounced about 20 ft and impacted the ground again. During the second impact, 3 of the 19 passengers sustained serious injuries; the balloon was not damaged.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Controlled flight into terrain
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a different landing technique to avoid hard impact.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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