Primary finding
Probable cause
The passenger lost her grip during landing in a balloon which resulted in her hitting the ground with her shoulder and suffering a serious injury.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that while slowing the balloon and preparing for landing, he briefed the passengers how to position themselves and where to hold on for landing. During the landing upon contact with the ground, the basket “pitched forward” and the female passenger lost her grip. Her shoulder struck the ground and the male passenger fell on top of her. After the balloon came to a full stop, the female passenger complained of extreme shoulder pain. During a postaccident medical examination, it was determined that the female passenger suffered a broken clavicle.