Pilot Debrief

ULTRAMAGIC SA N-300 near Phoenix, AZ — 2023-10-03

Final reportWPR24LA006
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Date
2023-10-03
Location
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Aircraft
ULTRAMAGIC SA N-300
Registration
N27MU
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the balloon reported that while descending for a landing with a 5 kt wind from the west, about 20 ft above ground level, the balloon’s groundspeed increased to 12-13 kts. The pilot ascended the balloon due to power lines and when cleared, began the approach to landing in a small field. The pilot verified all passengers were in position for the landing and flared utilizing all 3 burners. Subsequently, the balloon impacted cholla covered desert terrain, bounced, and came to rest on its side about 140 ft from the initial landing area. Two passengers sustaining serious injury.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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