Pilot Debrief

Aerostar International RX 8 near Albuquerque, NM — 2020-08-15

Final reportWPR20CA272
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Date
2020-08-15
Location
Albuquerque, NM, USA
Airport
AEG
Aircraft
Aerostar International RX 8
Registration
N900FC
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 a high-wind landing, which resulted in a hard landing and serious passenger injury.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that for the balloon flight, the wind conditions were forecast to be light and variable at 4 knots. The wind at take0ff was from the north at 5 mph and 40 minutes later had increased to 15 mph. The pilot subsequently executed a high wind landing procedure. The balloon landed hard and was not damaged; however, the passenger, who was braced for landing, suffered a serious broken ankle 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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