Head AX8 88 near Jackson, WY — 2020-08-03
Final reportWPR20CA262
- Date
- 2020-08-03
- Location
- Jackson, WY, USA
- Aircraft
- Head AX8 88
- Registration
- N45303
- Category
- Balloon
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Fatalities
- 0
Probable cause
The balloon pilot’s inability to maintain altitude during un-forecasted weather, which resulted in a hard landing.
NTSB narrative
The balloon pilot reported that after about 50 minutes of uneventful flying, the wind increased to about 11 miles per hour (mph) while traveling to the southwest. Immediately after, the wind abruptly shifted 180º and increased to about 20 miles per hour. The balloon descended and impacted terrain, slid about 30 yards, and came to rest on its side. The balloon sustained minor damaged, and a passenger sustained a serious broken ankle injury. The weather study revealed that the weather encountered was not forecasted.
NTSB coding
Evidence available
- Photos
- 3 docket documents