Pilot Debrief

LINDSTRAND BALLOONS USA 120A near Peru, IN — 2015-01-10

Final reportCEN15LA103
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Date
2015-01-10
Location
Peru, IN, USA
Aircraft
LINDSTRAND BALLOONS USA 120A
Registration
N316TB
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The hard landing due to a higher-than-forecast surface wind, which resulted in a serious neck injury to the pilot.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he made a normal landing approach but that the surface wind velocity was higher than forecast, which required him to use a high-wind landing technique. The pilot remained in control of the balloon during the hard landing and was able to properly brace himself before the landing. However, shortly after touchdown, the balloon tipped over onto its side, which was typical for a high-wind landing; the balloon was not damaged. The pilot fell out of the basket after his shoulder contacted the ground. The pilot was able to pull the vent line to fully deflate the envelope after touchdown. Following the hard landing, the pilot was admitted to a hospital and treated for a serious neck injury.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Human factors
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen to delay landing due to unexpected high winds.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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