Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the balloon during landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While landing in a field, the wind shifted and the hot air balloon impacted a tree. The balloon then ascended approximately 50 feet back into the air. The pilot cautioned his two passengers to brace for a hard landing. The balloon descended rapidly and hit the ground hard. The basket rolled on its side and one of the passengers fell out. The passenger impacted the ground face first, breaking her nose and cheek bone. The balloon again lifted off the ground before settling back for its final landing. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact anomalies with the balloon.
Source record
Factual narrative
While landing in a field, the wind shifted and the hot air balloon impacted a tree. The balloon then ascended approximately 50-feet back into the air. The pilot cautioned his two passengers to hang-on and brace for a hard landing. The balloon descended rapidly and hit the ground hard. The basket rolled on its side and one of the passengers fell out. The passenger impacted the ground face first, breaking her nose and cheek bone. The balloon again lifted off the ground before settling back for its final landing. The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact anomalies with the balloon.