Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach in a high wind condition.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he was unable to arrest the balloon’s descent during a high wind landing approach, during which the balloon contacted trees. The balloon sustained substantial damage to the envelope and load tape. The pilot sustained a serious injury when he was ejected from the basket during the hard landing. The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.