Pilot Debrief

Cameron A 315 near Jackson, WY — 2020-08-03

Final reportWPR20CA267
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Date
2020-08-03
Location
Jackson, WY, USA
Aircraft
Cameron A 315
Registration
N12171
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The balloon pilot’s inability to maintain the proper descent rate during the balloon’s approach to landing during un-forecasted weather, which resulted in a hard landing.

NTSB narrative

The balloon pilot reported that while on final approach to land, about 20 ft above the ground, he saw two balloons he was following, both on their final approaches, suddenly reverse direction, by a strong wind from the southwest. Shortly after, the accident balloon lifted about 50 ft above the ground, followed by a downdraft. The pilot maneuvered the balloon to land and activated both burners to cushion the landing. When the descent rate was less than 500 ft per minute, he deactivated the burners and shouted to the passengers to “hold on” and pulled the quick vent deflate line before touchdown. The balloon landed hard, skidded on its side about 300 ft, and came to rest against an irrigation ditch embankment. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the envelope and a passenger sustained a serious injury. The balloon pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures to the balloon that would have precluded normal operation. A weather study revealed that the weather encountered by the balloon flight was not forecasted.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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