Pilot Debrief

Balloon Works FIREFLY 7 near Placitas, NM — 2018-10-10

Final reportWPR19TA005
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Date
2018-10-10
Location
Placitas, NM, USA
Aircraft
Balloon Works FIREFLY 7
Registration
N7252H
Category
Balloon
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to properly estimate the height of terrain while descending the balloon, which resulted in the balloon impacting a hill and passengers sustaining serious injuries.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, as he descended and maneuvered the balloon to check the wind for landing, the balloon impacted a hill that was higher than what he expected. He reported that the balloon's airspeed was between 15 and 20 mph when the collision occurred. Both passengers sustained a serious injury during the impact with the hill. Following the impact, the pilot initiated a burn to gain altitude, and shortly after, he landed the balloon with the assistance of his ground crew. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have chosen a safer descent path to avoid collision with the hill.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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