Pilot Debrief

Firefly Balloons Firefly 8B-15 near Las Cruces, NM — 2022-09-04

Final reportWPR22LA368
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Date
2022-09-04
Location
Las Cruces, NM, USA
Aircraft
Firefly Balloons Firefly 8B-15
Registration
N7067F
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 balloon pilot reported that, after establishing level flight at 300 feet above ground level, he initiated an approach for landing, with a 200 feet per minute rate of descent. The balloon landed hard and bounced three times. The balloon was undamaged, but a passenger sustained serious leg and rib injuries. The pilot of the balloon reported that the technique of bending the knees upon landing was omitted in his passenger briefing. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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Firefly Balloons Firefly 8B-15 near Las Cruces, NM — 2022-09-04 · Pilot Debrief