Pilot Debrief

CAMERON BALLOONS US Z-150 near Edmond, OK — 2016-05-13

Final reportCEN16LA183
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Date
2016-05-13
Location
Edmond, OK, USA
Aircraft
CAMERON BALLOONS US Z-150
Registration
N6952D
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to control the balloon’s descent rate during the landing approach, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

During the landing approach at the conclusion of the sightseeing flight, the commercial pilot of the balloon began a "quick" descent from an altitude of about 500 ft in order to land in a field that was about ¼ mile away. The pilot then activated the burners in order to slow the balloon's descent rate. About 50 ft above the ground, the pilot turned off the burners and pulled the quick deflation port at the top of the envelope. The basket impacted the ground, and the pilot and one passenger were ejected from the basket. The pilot continued to hold onto the quick deflation port line, and was dragged alongside the basket as the balloon subsequently became airborne. The balloon continued across the field until it contacted trees and came to rest. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have maintained a controlled descent instead of a quick descent.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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