Pilot Debrief

BALLOON WORKS Firefly 7-15 near Albany, TX — 2024-01-13

Final reportCEN24LA093
Sign in to save
Date
2024-01-13
Location
Albany, TX, USA
Aircraft
BALLOON WORKS Firefly 7-15
Registration
N2582U
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach in a high wind condition.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was unable to arrest the balloon’s descent during a high wind landing approach, during which the balloon contacted trees. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the envelope and load tape. The pilot sustained a serious injury when he was ejected from the basket during the hard landing. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

Related mishaps