Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's encounter with an unexpected shift of wind direction and velocity, which resulted in a hard landing and passenger injury.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
At the conclusion of a hot air balloon sightseeing flight, the pilot initiated an approach to a standard company landing field. During the approach, the wind unexpectedly shifted from 330 degrees at 8 knots to 110 degrees at up to 18 knots. As the easterly winds decreased to about 12 knots, the pilot elected to continue the approach into an unplanned landing area and told the passengers to prepare for a high-wind landing by bending their knees and holding on to the rope handles tightly. According to the pilot, the balloon landed hard, traveling about 12 knots groundspeed in an open area with uneven terrain. One of the 11 passengers sustained a fractured ankle. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot was operating a sightseeing hot air balloon flight with eleven passengers. According to pilot statement, the approach was flown to a standard company landing field. During approach to landing, winds unexpectedly shifted from 330 degrees at eight knots to 110 degrees at speeds up to 18 knots. As the easterly winds decreased to approximately 12 knots, the pilot elected to continue the approach into an unplanned landing area and informed the passengers to prepare for a high wind landing by bending their knees and holding on to the rope handles tightly. According to the pilot, the hard landing occurred at approximately 12 knots groundspeed, in an open area with uneven terrain. Of the eleven passengers on board, one suffered a fractured ankle. The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the balloon that would have precluded normal operation.