Primary finding
Probable cause
A run-on landing of the balloon causing the basket to tip over, resulting in a passenger's injury.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After a sight-seeing flight, the pilot located an area to land the balloon, and briefed the passengers for the landing. The pilot stated that he "landed in soft sand ... going approximately 10 miles-per-hour." The basket slid for approximately 15 feet before tipping over, coming to rest on its side. As the pilot began to unload the passengers, one of passengers complained of pain in her right arm/shoulder area. The passenger was transported to the hospital, and later was determined that she had suffered a broken arm.
Source record
Factual narrative
After a sight-seeing flight, the pilot located an area to land the balloon, and briefed the passengers for the landing. The pilot stated that he "landed in soft sand ... going approximately 10 miles-per-hour." The basket slid for approximately 15 feet before tipping over, coming to rest on its side. As the pilot began to unload the passengers, one of passengers complained of pain in her right arm/shoulder area. The passenger was transported to the hospital, and later was determined that she had suffered a broken arm.