Pilot Debrief

RICHARDSON ANDREW P RICHARDSON-75 near Alburquerque, NM — 2021-10-05

Final reportWPR22LA010
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Date
2021-10-05
Location
Alburquerque, NM, USA
Aircraft
RICHARDSON ANDREW P RICHARDSON-75
Registration
N518UR
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing, which resulted in a hard landing and serious passenger injury.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that as the balloon descended to land, about 45-60 ft above ground level, the winds were sustained out of the southwest about 9 to 11 mph. During the landing, the basket touched down firmly, tilted to the side, and then drug along the ground for about 20 ft before coming to rest upright. During the landing sequence, the passenger sustained a serious leg injury. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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