Pilot Debrief

Cameron Balloons C-100 near Phoenix, AZ — 2008-05-03

Final reportSEA08LA119
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Date
2008-05-03
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Aircraft
Cameron Balloons C-100
Registration
N6004K
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate weather evaluation during the landing approach. Contributing to the accident were windshear and rocky terrain.

NTSB narrative

During the approach to landing, the balloon's descent rate was about 300 feet per minute. About 200 feet above the ground the balloon encountered a strong windshear, increasing its horizontal speed over the ground to about 30 knots. The balloon continued descending at about 300 feet per minute until touching down, at which time its basket tilted over and began to drag for about 200 yards, with the last 125 yards over rocky ground. One of the passengers sustained a serious injury due to his arm being stuck between the basket and the ground. The chase crew arrived at the scene about 40 seconds later. No anomalies were reported with the balloon prior to the flight.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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