Primary finding
Probable cause
The passenger’s inadequate brace position for the balloon landing, which resulted in a serious injury.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot of the balloon stated that at the conclusion of the local flight, he was making an approach for landing near a field. At 15 feet above the ground, the pilot pulled out the top of the balloon and landed without a bounce. The balloon then dragged across the ground for 20 feet and came to rest. Prior to landing, the passengers were briefed for a possible hard landing. The pilot noticed that one passenger did not assume the proper brace position. That passenger was seriously injured during the landing and the balloon was not damaged.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot of the balloon stated that at the conclusion of the local flight, he was making an approach for landing near a field. At 15 feet above the ground, the pilot pulled out the top of the balloon and landed without a bounce. The balloon then dragged across the ground for 20 feet and came to rest. Prior to landing, the passengers were briefed for a possible hard landing. The pilot noticed that one passenger did not assume the proper brace position. That passenger was seriously injured during the landing and the balloon was not damaged.